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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and Pecans

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This delicious side dish combines caramelized sweet potatoes, crispy candied bacon, and crunchy pecans for a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savory flavor. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sweet Potatoes:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Candied Bacon and Pecans:

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

For Garnish:

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
    • Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
    • Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Toss the sweet potatoes, then continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  3. Prepare the Candied Bacon and Pecans:
    • While the sweet potatoes roast, place the bacon slices on a separate foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each slice.
    • Bake in the oven alongside the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then chop into small pieces.
    • In the same pan, toast the pecans in the residual bacon glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    • Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the chopped candied bacon and toasted pecans.
    • Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, festive dish!

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor, add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
  • To make this dish ahead, roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the bacon and pecans separately. Assemble and reheat before serving.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.