What’s that irresistible combination that makes the mouth water and the heart flutter? For me, it’s the perfect dance of sweet and savory, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in these Candied Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers. Imagine tender, caramelized sweet potatoes lovingly wrapped in crispy bacon, all drizzled with a sticky, spiced glaze. Not only are these skewers a fantastic crowd-pleaser for any gathering, but they’re also a breeze to prepare! Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual game day get-together, these delightful bites will have your guests reaching for seconds. Ready to impress your friends and family with a comfort food classic transformed into an elegant appetizer? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together!
Why are Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers Amazing?
Flavor Explosion: The blend of sweet potatoes and bacon creates a mouthwatering contrast, ensuring every bite is a hit!
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up quickly, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These skewers suit everything from festive holiday parties to casual weekend barbecues, appealing to crowds of all sizes.
Customizable Glaze: Feel free to play around with spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to suit your taste, ensuring your skewers remain unique.
If you’re looking for other crowd-pleasers, why not try these tasty Potato Mushroom Croquettes or serve these as a delightful appetizer alongside a refreshing Lemon Dill Potato Salad?
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare skewers in advance, store in the fridge, and pop them in the oven or on the grill when guests arrive!
Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers Ingredients
For the Skewers
• Sweet Potatoes – Peel and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Bacon – Choose regular or substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Sea Salt – A finishing touch that elevates the overall flavor.
For the Glaze
• Brown Sugar – Adds delicious sweetness and promotes caramelization.
• Maple Syrup or Honey – Enhances sweetness and creates a sticky glaze.
• Olive Oil or Melted Butter – Helps the glaze to adhere beautifully to the ingredients.
• Cinnamon – Introduces warmth to the flavor profile, making the skewers even more inviting.
• Cayenne or Chili Powder – Adds a hint of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Garlic Powder (optional) – Boosts flavor complexity with a savory note.
For Garnishing
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary or Thyme, optional) – Adds a fragrant touch on top for that extra wow factor.
• Dipping Sauces (optional) – Try marshmallow fluff, spicy aioli, or maple mustard for a fun twist!
These Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers are sure to impress, seamlessly blending sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heating your grill to medium. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This setup ensures that your Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers cook evenly and can crisp up nicely, creating the perfect texture.
Step 2: Parboil the Sweet Potatoes
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, then add your diced sweet potatoes. Allow them to parboil for 5–7 minutes until fork-tender yet firm. After the timer goes off, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly. This step helps to create a melt-in-your-mouth center while ensuring they are easy to skewer.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, olive oil, cinnamon, cayenne, and optional garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, which should take about a minute. This sweet and spicy glaze will tightly coat your Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers, infusing each bite with irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Add the cooled sweet potato cubes to the bowl with the glaze and gently toss until they’re all evenly coated. This process ensures that every piece is drenched in the sticky goodness. Take a moment to enjoy the sweet aroma as the mixture clings to the sweet potatoes, setting the stage for delicious skewers.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Now it’s time to build your skewers! Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a sweet potato cube, securing it with a skewer. If you’d like, alternate between more sweet potato cubes and bacon on the skewer for added visual flair. Repeat until all ingredients are used, but leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 6: Bake or Grill
Place your assembled skewers on the lined baking sheet or grill them on a wire rack. Bake or grill for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch as the bacon crisps up and the sweet potatoes caramelize, creating a beautiful golden finish. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eager to dig in!
Step 7: Brush with Extra Glaze
If you desire an even shinier appearance, brush the skewers lightly with extra glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This optional step adds an alluring shine and enhances the flavor profile of your Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers as they finish baking or grilling.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the oven or grill and place them on a serving platter. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve warm alongside your choice of dipping sauces, and watch as your guests relish each delightful bite!
Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your skewers with these delightful twists that enhance flavor and cater to various preferences!
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Candied Bacon: Swap regular bacon for candied bacon to amplify sweetness and add a crunchy texture. This variation will definitely tickle your taste buds!
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Turkey Bacon: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead. The skewers remain flavorful and satisfying, perfect if you’re watching your calories without sacrificing taste.
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Sweet Potato Varieties: Experiment with different sweet potato types like purple or Japanese sweet potatoes for unique flavors and vibrant colors. Each variety offers a slightly different experience!
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Glaze with Smoked Paprika: Give your glaze a smoky twist by adding smoked paprika. This will deepen the flavor profile, turning up the umami for an irresistible bite.
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Add Nuts: For an exciting crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the skewers after baking. This adds another layer of texture and flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the potatoes!
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Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze. This balances the sweetness with a delightful fiery twist.
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Herb-Infused Oil: Use rosemary or thyme-infused olive oil in your glaze for added depth. This fragrant touch elevates the dish’s overall aroma and flavor, creating an experience that’s hard to forget.
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Dippable Options: Serve skewers with an array of dipping sauces like spicy aioli or honey mustard. This bratty element invites guests to customize their flavor journey with each bite, enhancing the fun of your gathering!
For another delicious appetizer, you may enjoy pairing these skewers with Garlic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes, creating a beautifully collective meal filled with flavor!
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers
Even Cuts: Ensure sweet potatoes are cut evenly to promote consistent cooking, keeping texture delightful throughout.
Watch the Time: Avoid overboiling the sweet potatoes; they should remain slightly firm for easy skewering and optimal texture.
Crispy Bacon: Use a wire rack while baking for perfectly crisp bacon, allowing fat to drain away and enhance flavor.
Prevent Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes prior to use to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Customize Glaze: Feel free to tailor the glaze for your Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers by adjusting sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; when reheating, use the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers are ideal for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeknights or festive gatherings! You can assemble the skewers completely up to 24 hours in advance. To prep ahead, simply follow the first five steps, then place the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the flavors meld beautifully while ensuring the sweet potatoes stay firm. When you’re ready to serve, just bake or grill them for 25–30 minutes as instructed, flipping halfway to achieve that crispy bacon and caramelized sweetness. With this method, you’ll have a show-stopping appetizer with minimal effort, perfect for impressing your guests!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers
These delightful bites are perfect for creating a full, memorable meal that will impress your guests and leave them craving more!
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Crispy Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette contrasts perfectly with the rich sweetness of the skewers. The crunch of the vegetables provides a refreshing balance to the dish.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a fantastic side that enhances the flavors of the skewers while inviting your guests to dig in. The aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen, making it even more irresistible.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts, with just a hint of smokiness, complements the sweet and savory elements of the skewers. Their crisp texture adds another layer of enjoyment to your meal.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky, buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting side that pairs well with the savory bacon. The creaminess provides a rich backdrop, allowing the flavors of the skewers to shine.
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Spicy Aioli Dipping Sauce: A zesty dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, and a hint of lemon will bring an exciting kick to the table. This addition not only enhances the flavors but also encourages guests to experiment with their bites.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: Serve some sparkling apple cider for a festive drink that echoes the sweetness of the skewers while providing a bubbly, refreshing sip for your guests. It’s a non-alcoholic option everyone can enjoy!
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Fruit Salad: A light, fruity salad adds a refreshing touch to your meal, bringing a burst of color and seasonal sweetness that complements the caramelized sweet potatoes beautifully.
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Chocolate Brownies: For a sweet finale, treat your guests to fudgy chocolate brownies. Their richness contrasts with the lighter skewers, rounding out the meal beautifully and offering a satisfying end to the evening.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers
Fridge: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place skewers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the bacon crispy and the sweet potatoes tender.
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook, saving time on busy days or when entertaining.
Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! When choosing sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes or dark spots. They should have a vibrant color, indicating freshness. Avoid any that feel hollow or have soft spots, as these may be old or spoiled.
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help retain their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep that crispy bacon texture intact.
Can I freeze these skewers?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cooked skewers, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven.
What if my bacon isn’t crispy after cooking?
Very! If your bacon doesn’t crisp up as desired, there are a few things you can try. First, ensure you’re using a wire rack in the oven or grilling to allow the fat to drain off. Alternatively, you can increase the cooking time by an additional 5 minutes if necessary, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. If you find the bacon is still not crispy, consider broiling it for the last minute or two to achieve that perfect crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon without sacrificing too much flavor. For those with allergies, ensure that all ingredients, including any dipping sauces, are free from known allergens. Always check labels if you’re accommodating specific dietary needs. Moreover, these skewers are gluten-free, making them perfect for various diets.
Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers for Ultimate Flavor Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or grill to medium. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Parboil the diced sweet potatoes in salted water for 5–7 minutes until fork-tender yet firm, then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup/honey, olive oil, cinnamon, cayenne, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Coat the cooled sweet potato cubes in the glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- Wrap a piece of bacon around each sweet potato cube and skewer. Alternate pieces if desired.
- Bake or grill assembled skewers for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway until bacon is crisp and potatoes caramelize.
- Brush skewers with extra glaze in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added shine.
- Serve skewers warm, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt alongside dipping sauces.
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