Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Bacon: A Savory and Sweet Fall Favorite

Looking for a comforting side dish that captures the essence of fall in every bite? This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Bacon recipe is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, balancing the earthy richness of roasted sweet potatoes, the caramelized sweetness of apples, and the smoky crunch of bacon.

It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes a stunning addition to any meal, whether for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast. Plus, with its beautiful colors and layers of texture, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Combination: The natural sweetness of maple syrup and apples pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy bacon.
Perfect Fall Ingredients: Apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup are at their best in autumn, making this an ideal seasonal dish.
Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions.

How to Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Bacon

Ingredients

For this delicious dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and bursting with fall flavor:

4 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
4 ounces Bacon Ends & Pieces (bacon bits also work well)
1 medium Onion, chopped
2 Apples, peeled, cored, and diced (choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance)
1/4 cup Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup is best for an authentic, rich taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the diced sweet potatoes with the olive oil and sea salt, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Roast for 20 minutes, or until they begin to soften and edges are slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon ends and pieces. Cook until the bacon starts to render its fat and begins to get crispy.
Add the Chopped Onion: Toss in the onions and sauté in the bacon fat, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent. This should take about 4-5 minutes. The onions will soak up that delicious bacon flavor, adding depth to the dish.

Step 3: Add Apples and Finish the Dish

Add the Diced Apples: Stir the apples into the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until they start to soften. You want them tender but not mushy.
Drain Excess Bacon Fat: Carefully drain off any excess bacon fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy, leaving just enough to coat the ingredients.
Combine with Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet with the bacon, onions, and apples. Stir gently to combine and let cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to reach a perfectly tender consistency.

Step 4: Add the Maple Syrup and Serve

Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the mixture, stirring lightly to coat all ingredients. The syrup will add a wonderful glaze and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements.
Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Maple Syrup as an Antioxidant: Pure maple syrup is packed with antioxidants—more than honey! It also contains minerals like manganese and zinc, which can help boost immunity.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Apples: Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well in this recipe. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Use Real Maple Syrup: Skip pancake syrup and go for pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It’s worth the extra cost and adds an authentic, rich sweetness.
Drain Excess Bacon Fat: To keep the dish light, drain any excess bacon fat after cooking the bacon and onions, but leave a small amount for flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Apples: Add the apples toward the end to keep them from getting too soft. They should be tender but retain a bit of texture.

Variations

Add Pecans or Walnuts: For a nutty crunch, sprinkle in some toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the maple syrup for a warm, autumnal spice profile.
Make It Vegan: Skip the bacon and use a vegan bacon substitute or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a holiday turkey. It also makes a satisfying vegetarian main course if you leave out the bacon. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Note: This is an approximate calculation based on ingredient quantities.

Calories: 220
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 3g

Why Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Bacon Will Become Your New Favorite Dish

This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe is everything you want in a fall side dish—savory, sweet, smoky, and easy to prepare. The combination of sweet potatoes and apples with a hint of maple is irresistibly comforting, while the bacon adds just the right amount of crunch and saltiness. It’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough for special occasions, and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of fall.

So, gather up these seasonal ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this ultimate comfort food side dish. 🍁
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Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Bacon