Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can transform any meal into a comforting feast. Add crispy, smoky bacon to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday spread or simply looking for a creative way to elevate your side dishes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in one irresistible bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Balance: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the salty, smoky goodness of bacon.
2. Comforting and Hearty: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are elevated with rich, crunchy bacon pieces for an indulgent side dish.
3. Simple and Versatile: Easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or even weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and Chop:
   • Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes (about 1–2 inches). This ensures even cooking.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
   • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Fry the Bacon:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips flat in the pan, making sure they don’t overlap.
   • Cook until crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
2. Drain and Reserve Grease:
   • Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for the sweet potatoes.
3. Crumble the Bacon:
   • Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

1. Drain and Transfer:
   • Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Add Ingredients:
   • Add butter, heavy cream, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease to the pot.
3. Mash or Blend:
   • Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency. Blend until creamy and well combined.
4. Season to Taste:
   • Add salt and pepper as needed, tasting to adjust the seasoning.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Transfer to Serving Dish:
   • Scoop the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving bowl or dish.
2. Top with Bacon:
   • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
3. Garnish (Optional):
   • Add chopped green onions or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for presentation.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Look for firm, evenly sized sweet potatoes without blemishes.
2. Don’t Skip the Bacon Grease: Adding a bit of bacon grease enhances the smoky flavor in the mash.
3. Customize the Texture: Adjust the consistency by adding more or less heavy cream, depending on your preference.
4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes and bacon separately, then assemble just before serving for easy meal prep.

Variations

1. Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy mash.
2. Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
3. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a touch of heat.
4. Sweet Finish: Drizzle with additional maple syrup and top with candied pecans for a dessert-like side dish.

Pairing Suggestions

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon pairs beautifully with:

1. Main Courses:
   • Roasted turkey or chicken
   • Glazed ham
   • Grilled steak or pork chops
2. Side Dishes:
   • Garlic green beans
   • Honey-glazed carrots
   • Fresh garden salad
3. Breads:
   • Warm cornbread
   • Flaky biscuits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon saves time, but fresh-cooked bacon provides more flavor and allows you to use the grease.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for plant-based margarine and heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crispy bacon offers a contrast in texture and flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. The subtle sweetness of the potatoes balances the smoky saltiness of the bacon, making this dish a versatile addition to any meal.

Conclusion

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon is a decadent yet simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and irresistible aroma, this recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special gathering, this dish promises to leave everyone asking for seconds.

Yield: 6

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

Print

Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can transform any meal into a comforting feast. Add crispy, smoky bacon to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday spread or simply looking for a creative way to elevate your side dishes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in one irresistible bowl.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Bacon Topping
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes

1. Return the sweet potatoes to the pot or transfer them to a mixing bowl.
2. Add butter, heavy cream, maple syrup (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or mix with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Prepare the Bacon Topping

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble into small pieces.
2. Optional: Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease to drizzle over the mashed potatoes for added flavor.

4. Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving dish.
2. Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Make Ahead: Prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and bacon topping separately up to a day in advance. Reheat and assemble before serving.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.