Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Are you looking for a delicious and comforting side dish that will impress your guests? Look no further than mashed sweet potatoes with bacon! This dish combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with the savory and smoky flavor of bacon to create a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please everyone at the table.
The Perfect Balance
What makes mashed sweet potatoes with bacon so special is the perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the potatoes is complemented by the saltiness and richness of the bacon, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible. It’s like a symphony in your mouth!
A Touch of Sweetness
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, making them a great alternative to regular potatoes. They add a unique flavor and a vibrant orange color to the dish. When mashed, they become creamy and smooth, creating the perfect base for the crispy bacon.
Savory and Smoky Bacon
Bacon, oh bacon! Is there anything it can’t make better? When cooked until crispy, bacon adds a wonderful smoky and savory flavor to the mashed sweet potatoes. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy sweetness and crispy, salty goodness.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or hosting a casual dinner party, mashed sweet potatoes with bacon is a dish that will impress your guests. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones.
Simple and Quick
Preparing mashed sweet potatoes with bacon is a breeze. All you need are a few simple ingredients and less than an hour of your time. Start by peeling and boiling the sweet potatoes until they’re tender. Then, mash them with butter, cream, and a touch of salt. Finally, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it on top of the mashed sweet potatoes. It’s as easy as that!
A Versatile Dish
One of the great things about mashed sweet potatoes with bacon is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even Thanksgiving turkey. It’s also a great option for a vegetarian meal when paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While mashed sweet potatoes add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with regular potatoes if you prefer. The bacon will still add that delicious smoky flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make mashed sweet potatoes with bacon ahead of time. Simply prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or microwave and cook the bacon fresh.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the mashed sweet potatoes for a similar smoky flavor.
4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. It will still add a smoky flavor to the dish, just with a slightly different taste and texture.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the mashed sweet potatoes?
Certainly! Mashed sweet potatoes are a blank canvas, and you can get creative with your additions. Some popular options include garlic, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
6. Can I freeze mashed sweet potatoes?
While it’s possible to freeze mashed sweet potatoes, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh if possible.
7. Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
Yes, you can use coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to cream. It will add a subtle coconut flavor to the mashed sweet potatoes.
8. Can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to make this dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier alternative like olive oil. You can also use leaner bacon or turkey bacon to reduce the fat content.
Conclusion
Mashed sweet potatoes with bacon is a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with the savory and smoky flavor of bacon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is simple to make and versatile enough to accompany any main course. So why not give it a try and indulge in this delicious combination of flavors?
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 lbs of sweet potatoes (around 4 to 5 medium-sized)
- 3 slices of bacon , diced
- 1 tbsp of bourbon or apple cider
- 1/2 cup of warmed heavy cream
- 6 tbsp of cold salted butter , sliced into pieces
- 3 tbsp of maple syrup , plus extra for drizzling
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes all over.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes until they are completely soft, which should take about 45 minutes.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly.
- Cut the potatoes in half.
- Scoop out the flesh from the potatoes and place it in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Discard the potato skins.
- In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring, until it becomes crisp. This should take around 8 to 9 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon from the saucepan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Add the bourbon or cider to the drippings in the saucepan and cook until most of it has evaporated, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the potatoes, heavy cream, butter, maple syrup, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the saucepan.
- Use a potato masher to mash the ingredients until they are smooth and warmed through.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a bowl.
- Top the potatoes with the cooked bacon.
- Drizzle more maple syrup over the potatoes before serving.
