Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue, the bold culinary rebel from Maxivore.com, and I’m about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites! This epic dish is a revolutionary take on a classic side, and trust me, it’s going to have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Get ready for an explosion of sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible flavors that will have your friends and family begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites
These Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites are the ultimate in flavor and texture. The sweet, caramelized maple glaze perfectly complements the crispy, salty bacon, creating a sensational taste experience that will have you coming back for more. Plus, the addition of sweet potatoes makes this dish a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and health, and trust me, it’s going to be the most legendary appetizer or side dish you’ve ever served. Prepare to have your mind (and your taste buds) blown!
Ingredients
To whip up these Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites, you’ll need a few simple, yet incredibly delicious ingredients. You’ll start with sweet potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces. Then, you’ll add in crispy, smoky bacon, along with a mouthwatering maple glaze made from real maple syrup, brown sugar, and a touch of spice. Get ready to create an explosive flavor combination that will have your guests begging for the recipe!
- 2 lbs (900g) – Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz (225g) – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (50g) – Brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes: You can try using different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for a fun twist.
- Bacon: If you’re not a bacon lover (how could you not be?!), you can use prosciutto or even chopped pecans for a delicious, nutty crunch.
How to Make Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites
Time to bring the sweet and savory flavors together and create a dish that’s about to take your taste buds on a wild ride!
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Start by preheating your oven to a blazing hot 400°F. Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Now, let’s get that bacon nice and crispy! Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s deliciously golden and crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, and then crumble or chop it into small pieces.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk it all together and let it simmer over medium heat until it thickens up into a glorious maple glaze. Now, it’s time to get those sweet potato bites in the oven! Roast them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they’re tender and starting to get crispy around the edges.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
Once your sweet potato bites are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon all over, making sure to get those delicious bits in every bite. Toss everything together until the sweet potato bites are evenly coated in the sticky, sweet, and smoky goodness.
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
For an extra special touch, you can garnish the Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites with some freshly chopped parsley or chives. The vibrant green color will add a beautiful contrast to the warm, caramelized flavors.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crunchy Texture: To get that irresistible crispy texture, make sure to spread the sweet potato bites out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for maximum surface area exposure and ensures even cooking.
- Extra Crispiness: You can also try tossing the bites in a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before roasting to help them get extra crispy.
- Spicy Kick: For a touch of heat, you can amp up the cayenne pepper in the glaze or even add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Nutty Twist: Try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a tasty topping for salads and bowls.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity, I know), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy once again.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the sweet potato bites and the maple glaze in advance, then simply assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites are not only insanely delicious, but they’re also a nutritional powerhouse. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The addition of crispy bacon provides a satisfying source of protein and healthy fats. And the maple glaze, while indulgent, offers a natural sweetness that’s far better for you than processed sugars. Enjoy this epic dish guilt-free, knowing that you’re fueling your body with wholesome, nourishing ingredients.
- Serving Size: 4-5 bites
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 29 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sweet potato bites and the maple glaze in advance, then simply assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve. The sweet potato bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the glaze can be made a week ahead and kept in the fridge. Just be sure to let the glaze come to room temperature before drizzling it over the baked bites.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Sure, you can definitely experiment with different potato varieties. While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can also try using Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.
How can I make these bites extra crispy?
To get that irresistible crispy texture, make sure to spread the sweet potato bites out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for maximum surface area exposure and ensures even cooking. You can also try tossing the bites in a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before roasting to help them get extra crispy.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make these Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative or chopped pecans instead. For the glaze, you can swap out the regular maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
How spicy are these bites?
The amount of heat in these Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites is completely customizable. The recipe calls for just a pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze, which adds a subtle kick. But if you’re looking to turn up the heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences.
Try These Next
- Crispy Maple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Sweet Mustard Dip
- Spicy Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites With Caramel Drizzle
Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites are a delicious bite-sized treat that combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory crunch of crispy bacon, drizzled with a rich maple glaze. Perfect for appetizers or a tasty snack!
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 pound of bacon, chopped
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Scatter the chopped bacon over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and bacon is crispy, stirring halfway through.
6. Remove from the oven and drizzle maple syrup over the sweet potato and bacon mixture.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes.
These bites can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sweet potatoes, bacon, appetizers, snacks