Every time I slide a tray of these golden-brown skewers out of the oven, I feel like I’ve stumbled upon some deliciously secret recipe that should be locked away in a treasure chest. The marriage of tender, caramel-kissed sweet potato cubes and strips of crispy bacon is the kind of flavor combination that makes your taste buds throw a party. I still remember the first time I tried wrapping sweet potatoes in bacon for a barbecue: the sweet and savory interplay was so irresistible that I had to double the batch for my friends, who promptly declared it the star of the show. There’s something almost magical about biting into a piece and discovering that perfect harmony of smoky saltiness and luscious sweetness.
This recipe is comfort food elevated to party status. Whether you’re hosting family for the holidays, looking for crowd-pleasing holiday appetizers, or simply craving a savory snack that veers away from the ordinary, candied sweet potato and bacon skewers fit the bill. These skewers aren’t fussy—they’re an easy recipe that feels gourmet without hours in the kitchen. I love serving them alongside creamy dips or bright salads to balance the richness, but honestly, they’re so good on their own that my oven mitts never get a break. If you’ve ever wondered how to make something that looks stunning and tastes like you spent all day slaving over it, trust me: this one’s a winner. Pull out your wooden skewers, gather those sweet potatoes and bacon slices, and let’s dive into a flavor explosion you’ll want to replicate again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Before you dive into the cooking action, let’s talk about what makes these skewers shine. Each element brings a unique texture or flavor that, when combined, creates the perfect bite-sized treat. From the earthy-sweet base to the smoky, crisp wrap, these ingredients play off each other in all the right ways.
- Sweet potatoes
These cubed gems add natural sweetness, a creamy interior, and a sturdy shape that holds up during boiling and baking. They’re the canvas for our candied glaze.
- Bacon
Crisp and smoky, bacon provides an addictive contrast to the soft sweet potatoes. Wrapping each cube creates a handheld snack bursting with savory goodness.
- Brown sugar
A rich, molasses-tinged sweetener that caramelizes under heat, forming that irresistible glaze around each skewer.
- Melted butter
Adds a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and helps the brown sugar and spices adhere to the skewers for even baking.
- Maple syrup
Infuses a deep, woodsy sweetness that complements the brown sugar and enhances the overall glaze.
- Ground cinnamon
Delivers warm, aromatic spice notes to elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Ground nutmeg
Offers a subtle, nutty complexity that rounds out the sweetness and gives the dish a cozy, festive vibe.
- Salt
Balances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness and highlighting both the bacon’s smokiness and the sweet potato’s natural sugars.
- Wooden skewers
Soaked beforehand to prevent burning, these make assembly and serving a breeze, transforming every bite into a neat, tasty package.
HOW TO MAKE CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Follow these steps to create your very own platter of irresistible skewers. Each technique is straightforward, but pay attention to timing and assembly to achieve perfect caramelization and crispiness.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the bacon crisps up quickly and the glaze caramelizes nicely, locking in those sweet and savory flavors.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and gently add the sweet potato cubes. Cook them for 5–7 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain thoroughly and set aside on a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended for an even coating.
4. Take one sweet potato cube, wrap it snugly with a piece of bacon, and secure it with a soaked wooden skewer. The snug wrap ensures bacon fat renders evenly around the potato.
5. Continue wrapping and skewering until each skewer holds about 4–5 bacon-wrapped cubes, leaving a small space at each end for easy handling.
6. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and even heat distribution.
7. Generously brush each skewer with the brown sugar and spice mixture, making sure every angle is coated in that sweet, buttery glaze.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through. Look for bacon that’s crispy and sweet potatoes that glisten with caramelization.
9. Remove the tray and let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief pause helps the glaze set and makes them easier to handle.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
These skewers are showstoppers on their own, but pairing them right can take your gathering to a whole new level. Here are four ways to present and serve them that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Party Platter Display
Arrange hot skewers on a large wooden board, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color, and tuck small bowls of creamy herb dip or tangy barbecue sauce around the edges. Guests will be drawn to the appetizer station like bees to honey.
- Holiday Feast Accent
Line these skewers alongside your roasted turkey or glazed ham on the holiday table. The warm spices and crisp bacon slices complement traditional main dishes, creating a cohesive festive spread.
- Casual BBQ Addition
Place skewers in a shallow cast-iron skillet and set them right on the picnic table. Drizzle extra glaze on top and serve with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a laid-back backyard vibe.
- Individual Appetizer Cups
Stand each skewer upright in a small glass or ramekin filled with a bit of extra glaze or dipping sauce. This makes for a tidy, one-bite-friendly presentation perfect for cocktail parties or buffet lines.
HOW TO STORE CANDIED SWEET POTATO AND BACON SKEWERS
Proper storage is key to preserving the sweet, smoky flavors and ensuring your skewers stay as delightful the next day. Follow these tips to maintain that perfect balance of crisp bacon and tender sweet potato.
- Refrigeration
Let the skewers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, and reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispiness.
- Freezing
Flash-freeze cooled skewers on a baking sheet, then move them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm through in a preheated oven to bring back their caramelized glory.
- Make-Ahead Prep
Assemble skewers and keep them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the fridge for several hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply brush on the glaze and bake as usual.
- Warm Holding
If you’re prepping for a party and need to keep skewers warm without overcooking, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This gentle heat keeps them tasty without further crisping for up to 30 minutes.
CONCLUSION
Bringing candied sweet potato and bacon skewers to your table is the easiest way to combine comforting home cooking with a gourmet twist. We’ve walked through everything from selecting the perfect sweet potatoes and smoky bacon to mastering that irresistible brown sugar and spice glaze. You’ve learned how to prep, assemble, bake, and even store or freeze these skewers, so every bite delivers that sweet-savory symphony you and your guests will remember. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ, spicing up holiday appetizers, or just craving a savory snack that stands out, this recipe has got your back.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use, tucking it into your recipe binder or kitchen drawer for quick reference. You can also find a FAQ below to troubleshoot any questions you might have about ingredient swaps, cooking times, or flavor variations. I’d love to hear how your skewers turn out—drop a comment if you tried the recipe, share your own twists, or ask any questions if you need more tips. Your feedback and stories make this cooking journey even more exciting, and I’m always here to help you create delicious memories. Happy skewering!
Candied Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers
Description
These mouthwatering skewers feature tender sweet potatoes wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the sweet potato cubes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Take a sweet potato cube and wrap it with a piece of bacon. Secure with a wooden skewer.
-
Repeat the process, assembling each skewer with about 4-5 bacon-wrapped sweet potato cubes.
-
Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
-
Brush the brown sugar mixture generously over each skewer, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are caramelized.
-
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note
- Make sure to soak the wooden skewers to prevent them from burning in the oven.
- You can add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture.
- These skewers make a great appetizer or side for holiday gatherings or barbecues.
