Buckle up, food lovers, because we’re about to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives! Today, we’re whipping up a dish that’s so delicious, it’ll have you questioning the very laws of culinary physics. Introducing the Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites – a flavor explosion that’s about to become your new go-to party trick. Get ready to blow your friends’ minds and make them wonder how you managed to turn simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
These sweet and savory bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. The sweet, caramelized glaze perfectly complements the smoky, salty bacon, while the soft, fluffy sweet potato provides the perfect base. Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect dish to whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, a holiday gathering, or just looking to treat yourself, these Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are sure to be the hit of the party.
Ingredients
Get ready to unlock the secrets of flavor paradise with this insanely simple ingredient list. You’ll need sweet potatoes, thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a few other kitchen staples. The best part? You can easily swap out or add ingredients to customize this recipe to your taste buds’ delight.
- 2 lbs – Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz – Thick-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 1 tsp – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes: Regular potatoes or butternut squash (same prep, just adjust cooking time)
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave (for a different sweetener profile)
How to Make Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
Alright, folks, let’s get our hands dirty and transform these humble ingredients into something truly legendary. First, we’ll need to prep our sweet potatoes and bacon, then we’ll whip up a mind-blowing glaze that’s going to have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Finally, we’ll wrap it all up and bake it to perfection. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces, then place them in a large bowl. Cut the bacon in half crosswise to create shorter strips. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt to make the glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Toss the sweet potato cubes with the maple glaze until they’re evenly coated. Wrap each glazed sweet potato cube with a half-strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are tender. Flip the bites halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Discard the toothpicks and arrange the bites on a platter. Prepare to be showered with praise and food envy from your guests!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle on some chopped pecans or crushed bacon bits for an extra layer of texture.
- Get Saucy: Drizzle on some spicy honey or a tangy balsamic reduction for a flavor boost.
- Mix It Up: Try using different types of potatoes or squash to switch up the base.
- Dial Up the Heat: Sprinkle on a pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika for a little kick.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are the ultimate party-pleasing appetizer. Serve them up on a platter, skewer them for easy grabbing, or even toss them into a salad for a delicious twist.
Storage: These little flavor bombs will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the sweet potato bites up to a day in advance, wrap them in the bacon, and then bake them off just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – these Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are not exactly health food. But hey, who needs a bikini body when you can have a belly full of epic flavor? Each bite is a delicious indulgence, packed with carbs, fats, and a touch of sweetness. But don’t worry, your taste buds won’t be the only ones celebrating. Your soul will be doing a little happy dance too.
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sweet potato bites up to a day in advance, wrap them in the bacon, and then bake them off just before serving. This makes them the perfect make-ahead appetizer for any occasion.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Of course! While sweet potatoes are the traditional choice, you can easily substitute regular potatoes or even butternut squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the ingredient you choose.
How can I make these healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up these Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites, you can try using turkey bacon or reducing the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar in the glaze. You can also bake the bites on a wire rack to help drain some of the excess fat.
Can I freeze these?
Unfortunately, these Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites don’t freeze particularly well. The delicate texture of the sweet potatoes and the crispiness of the bacon can get compromised in the freezing process. Your best bet is to enjoy them fresh or store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat the Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through. This will help to re-crisp the bacon and warm up the sweet potatoes without drying them out.
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Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites
- Category: Bacon Empire
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making them a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Ingredients
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
4. 3. Wrap each sweet potato piece with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
5. 4. Place the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. 5. Brush the maple syrup mixture over each piece.
7. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are tender.
8. 7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped pecans on top after baking. These bites are best served warm!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: appetizer, sweet potato, bacon, maple syrup