Brace yourself, folks, because we’re about to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with these Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites! Get ready to experience a mind-blowing fusion of smoky, savory, and sweet that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. This epic recipe is a total game-changer, and I can’t wait to show you how to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
These Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are an absolute must-try! Combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the salty, crispy goodness of bacon, this dish is a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. The addition of a smoky seasoning blend takes these bites to the next level, creating a delectable balance of bold, savory, and sweet that will leave you craving every single bite. Plus, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Ingredients
For this epic recipe, you’ll need some simple yet incredible ingredients: sweet potatoes, bacon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. That’s it! The key is finding the perfect balance of flavors to make these Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites an absolute sensation.
- 3 medium sweet potatoes – peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brown Sugar: Try swapping it out for maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Bacon: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or pepper-crusted, to add even more layers of taste.
How to Make Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
Alright, y’all, let’s get to the good stuff! Follow these simple steps to create your own flavor paradise at home.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create your seasoning blend.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Lay the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the sweet potatoes, making sure to evenly distribute it. Wrap each seasoned sweet potato cube with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are tender. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the bites to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and watch as your guests devour these epic, flavor-packed treats!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up!: For an extra kick, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the seasoning blend.
- Herb it up!: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or chili powder, to customize the flavor profile.
- Get Saucy!: To make these bites even more indulgent, you can brush them with a glaze made from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of soy sauce during the last few minutes of baking.
- Crispy Perfection: For an even crispier bacon wrap, try baking the bites on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the air to circulate more evenly, resulting in a delightfully crispy bacon exterior.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. They make an incredible appetizer or side dish that will have your guests begging for more.
Storage: For any leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bites up to the point of wrapping them in bacon, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are a delicious and nutritious treat! Each bite is packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. The bacon provides a satisfying dose of protein and savory flavor. While these bites are certainly indulgent, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, you could try using regular potatoes instead. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall flavor profile would still be amazing.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bites up to the point of wrapping them in bacon, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to enjoy them.
How can I make these bites extra crispy?
For an even crispier bacon wrap, try baking the bites on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the air to circulate more evenly, resulting in a delightfully crispy bacon exterior.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Definitely! While brown sugar adds a lovely caramelized flavor, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.
How can I make these bites spicier?
For a little extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend. You can also drizzle a touch of hot sauce over the baked bites before serving.
Try These Next
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bacon Bites With Spicy Aioli
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potato Bites
- Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites
Smoky 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 Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. They’re great as an appetizer or a party snack!
Ingredients
– 2 medium sweet potatoes
– 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toothpicks for securing bacon
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
4. 3. In a bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 4. Wrap each sweet potato cube with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
6. 5. Place the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 6. Bake in the preheated oven 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 slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can brush the bacon with maple syrup before baking.
– Make sure to keep an eye on them in the oven to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bacon, sweet potato, appetizer, snacks