Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and Pecans Recipe

Sweet potatoes transform from ordinary to extraordinary when roasted with candied bacon and pecans.

This mouthwatering side dish brings together rich, smoky flavors and delightful textures.

Crispy bacon caramelizes with brown sugar, creating a stunning glaze over tender sweet potato chunks.

Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the soft potato interior.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty elements.

The combination elevates a simple vegetable into a show-stopping accompaniment that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch it become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients In Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant orange tubers that bring natural sweetness and creamy texture, choose firm potatoes with smooth skin and no blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy edges and promotes even roasting, select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements sweet potato's natural sweetness, use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
• Nutmeg: Adds depth and subtle warmth, grate whole nutmeg for more intense flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness, use sea salt for cleaner mineral notes.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more robust flavor.

• Bacon: Crispy protein that adds smoky richness, choose thick-cut for better caramelization.
• Brown Sugar: Creates delightful caramelized coating, opt for dark brown for deeper molasses flavor.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that bring earthy undertones, select fresh, plump pecans with no bitter aftertaste.

• Maple Syrup: Liquid gold that adds luxurious sweetness, choose pure maple syrup for authentic flavor.
• Honey: Alternative liquid sweetener with floral notes, select local raw honey for deeper complexity.
• Fresh Thyme: Herbaceous garnish that provides bright, aromatic finish, use fresh sprigs for maximum impact.

Cooking Gear For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Baking Sheet: Large, sturdy pan for roasting sweet potatoes and bacon.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing sweet potatoes and chopping bacon.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing sweet potatoes with oil and spices.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for tossing and turning sweet potatoes and bacon during roasting.

Steps To Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Oven Preparation

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Slice sweet potatoes into rustic chunks, tossing them with a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of warm spices.

• Potato Roasting

Spread the sweet potato chunks across the baking sheet, giving each piece breathing room. Let them dance in the hot oven for about 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure golden, caramelized edges.

• Bacon Magic

While potatoes roast, transform ordinary bacon into a sweet and crispy delight. Lay bacon strips on a separate baking sheet and dust generously with brown sugar. Bake until the bacon turns gloriously crisp and candied.

• Nutty Crunch

Toast pecans in the leftover bacon glaze, creating a rich, deeply flavored coating. The nuts will release their natural oils and become wonderfully fragrant.

• Final Flourish

Arrange roasted sweet potatoes on a beautiful serving platter. Scatter candied bacon bits and toasted pecans over the top. Drizzle with a touch of maple syrup for extra indulgence. Serve immediately while everything is warm and irresistible.

Tasty Twists For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Bacon-Free Delight
• Spice Adventure: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes for a subtle kick that complements the sweet maple notes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Roast sweet potatoes and prepare candied pecans a day ahead, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline holiday meal prep.
• Dairy-Free Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and ensure maple syrup is pure to keep this recipe completely dairy-free and suitable for multiple dietary needs.

Serve Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans With Flair

• Sweet Brunch Bliss: Create a morning feast by pairing these roasted sweet potatoes alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh orange juice for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Thanksgiving Side Star: Transform this recipe into a show-stopping holiday side dish that will impress family and friends with its complex flavors and beautiful presentation.
• Hearty Salad Topper: Sprinkle these candied bacon and pecan sweet potatoes over a bed of mixed greens, adding crumbled goat cheese for a satisfying and nutritious lunch option.
• Cozy Dinner Companion: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin to elevate a simple weeknight meal with rich, caramelized textures and warm spices.

How To Store Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Smart Meal Batch Prep: Dice and season sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead, storing them in airtight containers inside the refrigerator. Keep candied bacon and toasted pecans separately in sealed containers to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigeration Survival Guide: Store completed dish in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore original texture and warmth, avoiding microwave to prevent mushy sweet potatoes.
• Freezing Strategy: Separate components work best for freezing. Sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 1 month, while bacon and pecans should be stored separately. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reassemble before serving for optimal taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare candied bacon and toasted pecans up to a week in advance. Store bacon in refrigerator and pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. This technique saves significant preparation time during busy cooking sessions, making meal assembly quick and effortless.

Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Roasted sweet potato slices with candied bacon and pecans blend Southern comfort with gourmet flair. Crispy bacon and caramelized nuts create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch (2.54 cm) cubes
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C) and line a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Potato Preparation: Slice sweet potatoes into precise cubes, coating thoroughly with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
3. Initial Roasting: Distribute sweet potato cubes on the baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer, promoting crispy exterior development and preventing moisture buildup. Roast for 20 minutes, then gently redistribute for even caramelization.
4. Bacon Transformation: Simultaneously, arrange bacon slices on a foil-lined sheet, generously dusting with brown sugar to create a glossy, caramelized exterior. Bake alongside potatoes for 15-20 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve perfect crispness.
5. Nut Enhancement: Leverage the bacon-glazed baking sheet to toast pecans, stirring periodically to develop a rich, toasted flavor without scorching.
6. Final Assembly: Transfer roasted sweet potatoes to a serving vessel, artfully scattering chopped candied bacon and toasted pecans across the surface.
7. Finishing Touch: Elevate the dish with a delicate maple syrup or honey drizzle, complemented by an optional sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic flourish.

Notes

• Optimize Potato Cutting: Slice sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking, preventing undercooked or burnt sections.
• Prevent Soggy Roasting: Space potato pieces widely on baking sheet to ensure crispy edges and caramelized surfaces, avoiding steaming effect.
• Master Bacon Candying: Watch bacon closely during sugar coating to achieve perfect caramelization without burning, creating crunchy sweet-savory pieces.
• Enhance Nutty Flavors: Toast pecans carefully, stirring frequently to develop deep, rich flavors without scorching, maximizing their natural buttery essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg