When autumn foliage starts to paint the world in warm tones, there’s nothing better than the comforting embrace of sweet potatoes paired with crispy bacon. These Candied Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers bring that sweet-savory harmony right to your table in a fun and shareable way. Each tender cube of sweet potato glistens under a rich brown sugar and maple syrup glaze, lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, while strips of bacon wrap around them in a satisfyingly crunchy hug. As the skewers roast, the glaze deepens into caramelized perfection, sending ribbons of sweet aroma through your kitchen—inviting family and friends to gather, chat, and nibble. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast or an intimate game-night spread, these skewers instantly become the life of the party, offering both comfort and a dash of culinary flair.
I still remember the first time I whipped up these skewer beauties for a Sunday brunch with friends. I was juggling coffee cups, laughter, and half a dozen pans, but the moment those skewers came out of the oven, everything else faded away. We all clustered around the counter, hot skewers in hand, marveling at how the sweet potatoes held just the right amount of firmness while the bacon crackled delightfully between bites. We swapped stories of kitchen triumphs (and hilarious disasters!), agreed to make it a monthly tradition, and realized that sometimes the simplest recipes—like these skewers—have the biggest impact. Today, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you so you can create your own moments of joy, deliciousness, and unforgettable company.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Before you begin, let’s gather the stars of this show. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing sweetness, warmth, and savory crunch that makes these skewers so irresistible.
- Sweet potatoes
These vibrant orange cubes bring natural sweetness and creamy texture. Parboiling them ensures they’re tender inside without falling apart on the skewer.
- Bacon
Rich, smoky, and crisp, bacon wraps around each sweet potato cube, adding a salty counterpoint and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft potato.
- Brown sugar
With its deep, molasses-like notes, brown sugar forms the sticky base of the glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
- Maple syrup
This pure sweetener enhances the glaze’s complexity, adding woodsy undertones that marry seamlessly with the sweet potato.
- Cinnamon
A warm, fragrant spice that gives the glaze a cozy, autumnal lift and rounds out the sweetness.
- Nutmeg
Just a hint of nutmeg adds subtle earthiness, making each bite feel more layered and aromatic.
- Salt
A pinch of salt intensifies all the flavors—sweet, smoky, and spiced—ensuring your glaze isn’t cloying.
- Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper provides a mild heat and complexity, balancing the sweet notes.
- Skewers
Bamboo or metal skewers hold everything together. Soaking bamboo skewers prevents burning, while metal skewers conduct heat for a more even roast.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a light, herbal brightness as a final garnish.
HOW TO MAKE CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Let’s take a stroll through each step, from prepping the potatoes to pulling those bacon-wrapped delights out of the oven. You’ll be amazed at how simple techniques come together to deliver big flavor.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch drips and make cleanup effortless.
2. In a large pot, fill it halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until they’re slightly tender on the outside but still firm in the center. Drain and set aside to cool briefly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes a thick, uniform glaze, making sure no clumps of sugar remain.
4. In a separate bowl, add the cooked sweet potato cubes and pour the sugar-spice mixture over them. Gently toss until each cube is evenly coated with the sticky glaze.
5. Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of sweet potato and bacon. Begin with a sweet potato cube, follow with a bacon piece, and continue until each skewer is loaded.
6. Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through so the bacon becomes crispy on all sides and the potatoes get beautifully caramelized.
7. Once fully cooked, remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to firm up. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish.
8. Serve the skewers warm and dive into that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive holiday feast, presenting these skewers with style and complementary sides will elevate the entire experience. With just a few touches, you can create a spread that’s both eye-catching and mouthwatering.
- Serve on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, arranging the skewers in a neat fan shape to showcase the glaze and bacon edges. Garnish with extra parsley and a few citrus wedges for brightness.
- Pair with a tangy yogurt-herb dip made by whisking Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped dill. The cool creaminess cuts through the richness of the bacon, offering a delightful contrast.
- Complement your skewers with a crisp green salad featuring arugula, pomegranate seeds, and shaved Parmesan. Toss with a light vinaigrette to bring a refreshing counterbalance to the sweet potatoes.
- For a holiday table, nestle the skewers among roasted Brussels sprouts and glazed carrots. Drizzle a little extra maple syrup over everything just before serving to tie the flavors together in seasonal harmony.
HOW TO STORE CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Leftover skewers are a treat in their own right, but proper storage ensures they retain their flavor and texture. With just a bit of care, you can enjoy these sweet-savory bites days after you first bake them.
Storing skewers immediately after they cool prevents moisture buildup and sogginess. Always allow skewers to come to room temperature before packing to avoid condensation inside the container. Use an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent flavor transfer from other foods in the fridge.
- Refrigeration: Place cooled skewers in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, flash-freeze the skewers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Labeling: Always label your containers or bags with the date prepared, so you know exactly when they should be enjoyed by. This keeps storage organized and safe.
- Reheating tips: Avoid the microwave for best results; use an oven or air fryer to bring back the bacon’s crunch and keep the potatoes tender. A quick preheat to 350°F and 8–10 minutes of heat works wonders.
CONCLUSION
I hope this guide to Candied Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers has inspired you to gather your ingredients and fire up the oven for a truly effortless yet show-stopping dish. From the first step of boiling sweet potato cubes to tossing them in that mouthwatering glaze and wrapping each piece in smoky bacon, every moment of preparation builds anticipation for the final, glorious bites. Whether you serve these skewers at a holiday feast, a casual brunch, or as a creative side at a weeknight dinner, they have a way of bringing smiles and sparking conversation. Don’t forget to print this article and save it for future celebrations—you’ll want to revisit this recipe time and again.
Feel free to scroll down to find a helpful FAQ section below, where I answer common questions, share troubleshooting tips, and offer fun variations. If you give these skewers a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Leave a comment, share your feedback, or ask any questions you have about the recipe process. Your kitchen adventures are what make recipes truly come to life, and I’m always here to help you achieve that perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and savory magic. Enjoy cooking, and happy feasting!
Candied Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers
Description
These skewers combine tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, sweet glaze and crispy bacon, creating an irresistible dish that's perfect for gatherings or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
In a large pot, fill it halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
-
In a separate bowl, add the cooked sweet potato cubes and pour the sugar-spice mixture over them. Toss gently until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
-
Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of sweet potato and bacon. Start with a sweet potato cube, followed by a piece of bacon, then another sweet potato, and so on, until all ingredients are used.
-
Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are caramelized.
-
Once fully cooked, remove the skewers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish before serving.
-
Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Note
- These skewers make a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or a unique side dish for holiday meals.
- You can experiment by adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, between the sweet potatoes and bacon.
- For extra flavor, drizzle additional maple syrup over the skewers just before serving.
- Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
