Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Maple glazed sweet potatoes with bacon combine the natural sweetness of tender roasted sweet potatoes with a savory bacon crunch and a fragrant maple-thyme glaze. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any weeknight meal that calls for a little extra warmth and flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 5 strips smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 lb onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Roast the sweet potatoes for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.
3. Step 3: While the potatoes roast, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the thinly sliced onions until they become golden and soft, about 10–12 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir the maple syrup and fresh thyme leaves into the onions, then simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Toss the roasted sweet potatoes with the maple-onion glaze and crisp bacon, then serve warm for a delicious side dish.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use a combination of fresh thyme and rosemary for a more aromatic glaze.
• Make sure to roast the sweet potatoes until they are slightly caramelized for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bacon and glaze texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Frozen sweet potatoes can be used, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Is there a substitute for pure maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or agave nectar, but maple syrup provides a distinctive flavor that complements the savory ingredients best.

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 102 reviews

This Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon recipe is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with a rich maple and thyme glaze, complemented by crispy smoky bacon and caramelized onions. It’s a comforting side dish that’s ideal for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Bacon and Glaze

• 5 strips smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 lb onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
2. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The potatoes should become tender and golden when done.
3. Cook Bacon: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked bacon and cook until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Sauté Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes until the onions turn golden and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Make Maple-Thyme Glaze: Stir the pure maple syrup and fresh thyme leaves into the sautéed onions. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the glaze thickens slightly.
6. Toss and Serve: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Pour the maple-onion glaze over the potatoes and add the crispy bacon pieces. Toss everything together gently to coat the sweet potatoes evenly. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra depth of flavor, use smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with 1 tsp dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
• Make sure to monitor the onions closely to avoid burning during sautéing.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: sweet potatoes, maple glaze, bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, thyme, side dish, holiday recipe