Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon & Walnuts
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Sweet potatoes get a savory upgrade with crispy bacon and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a sweet and sticky maple syrup glaze. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory, making it a satisfying meal or a fantastic side dish. And let’s not forget the high-quality bacon from US Wellness Meats – it truly elevates the dish!
Why You’ll Love Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon & Walnuts
- Easy-Peasy: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors creates a truly satisfying dish.
- Versatile Side: This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of proteins, making it a perfect side for any meal.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with nutrients and fiber, this recipe is a guilt-free way to indulge in delicious flavors.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and enticing aromas of this dish make it a showstopper for any dinner party or gathering.
Ingredients Needed To Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon & Walnuts
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Sweet potatoes
- Bacon
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon
- Smoked paprika powder
- Walnuts
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon & Walnuts
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into cubes.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a bowl, add all of the seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and smoked paprika powder) and mix well.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sweet potatoes to the sheet pan and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with the mixed seasonings and toss well to ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
- Prep the Bacon: Chop the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on the sheet pan for uniform roasting. Gently mix in the chopped bacon.
- Roast: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Maple Syrup and Walnuts: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle the sweet potatoes with maple syrup. Sprinkle with walnuts and toss the sweet potatoes gently to coat.
- Final Roast: Return the sheet pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle the finished dish with balsamic glaze instead of maple syrup for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, omit the walnuts and try adding a handful of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Potato?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are classic, you can also use other types of potatoes, such as regular potatoes or even butternut squash. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the type of potato you use.
What If I Don’t Like Bacon?
No problem! You can easily omit the bacon from this recipe. The sweet potatoes are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the sweet potatoes as directed, but skip the maple syrup and walnuts. Store the cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sweet potatoes in a 300ºF oven for 15 minutes, then toss with maple syrup and walnuts.
What Other Proteins Can I Pair With This Dish?
This side dish pairs perfectly with other protein options like Chicken Ranch Burgers, Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, or Baked Fish Sandwich with Dill Tartar Sauce!
Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon & Walnuts
Equipment
- Peeler
- Knife
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 4 strips of bacon roughly chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika powder
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes
- In a bowl, add all of the seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and smoked paprika powder) and mix well.
- Chop the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Add the sweet potatoes to the sheet pan and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with the mixed seasonings and toss well to ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
- Add the chopped bacon to the sweet potato mixture and mix gently.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle the sweet potatoes with maple syrup. Sprinkle with walnuts and toss the sweet potatoes gently to coat.
- Return the sheet pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy!
Nutrition
This Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon & Walnuts is a total game-changer! The sweet and savory flavors combined with the crispy bacon make it an irresistible side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Help, please. I’m mildly confused by the time line in the recipe.
PREP TIME 15 minutes
COOK TIME 35 minutes
15 minutes ⬅️
TOTAL TIME 1 hour hr 5 minutes
But Step 9 only has the sheet pan going back in the oven for 5 minutes.
What am I missing on the second 15 minute segment?
I’m looking forward to trying this, and may aim it towards a breakfast/brunch mood by adding a couple of over-easy eggs to the top.
Thank you.
The times have been updated 🙂
Thanks!
I made your recipe and it was delicious…. I will definitely make this again. Thank you for sharing.