Irresistible Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Savory Perfection

Sweet potatoes used to be a food I approached with hesitation, much like pumpkin. But much like pumpkin, once I started experimenting with them in the kitchen, I was pleasantly surprised by their versatility and deliciousness. This culinary revelation led me on a mission to find creative and enjoyable ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into my diet. And let’s be honest, what makes almost anything better? Bacon! The moment I decided to combine the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the crispy, salty goodness of bacon, I knew I was onto something special. These Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are not just delicious; they’re a revelation – a perfect symphony of flavors that will convert even the most skeptical sweet potato eaters.

These delightful bites are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic snack for watching the big game, an elegant yet easy appetizer for your next gathering, or a surprisingly flavorful side dish that complements almost any meal. And for those mindful of their intake, here’s the best part: at just 0.5-1 SmartPoint (Weight Watchers) per bite, you can indulge in a few without any guilt! This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun. Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible combination.

Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites Recipe

By: Drizzle

Servings: 30 bites

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

These irresistible Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an ideal appetizer, snack, or side dish. At just 0.5-1 SmartPoint each (depending on zero-point foods), you can enjoy these guilt-free!

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Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (aim for about 30 one-inch cubes for even cooking and portioning)
• 3 Tbsp sugar-free syrup, such as a sugar-free maple or pancake syrup (check the label for brand suggestions if needed; you can also use pure maple syrup if not tracking specific points)
• 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Low-point bacon, approximately 15 slices (we recommend Oscar Mayer center cut or another lean, center-cut bacon to keep points low), each slice cut in half
• Toothpicks, for securing the bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the sweet potatoes and bacon from sticking, ensuring easy removal and a much simpler cleanup process.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Carefully peel your large sweet potato. Once peeled, cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. The goal is to get about 30 evenly sized pieces from one large potato. Uniformity in size is key for ensuring all the bites cook through at the same rate, resulting in perfectly tender sweet potato with every bite.
3. Flavor the Sweet Potatoes: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with the sugar-free syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Gently toss the mixture until every sweet potato piece is thoroughly coated. This sweet and spiced glaze is what gives these bites their incredible flavor profile, so make sure they’re well-covered.
4. Wrap & Arrange: Now comes the fun part! Take each half-slice of bacon and meticulously wrap it around a sweet potato cube. To ensure the bacon stays in place during baking, secure it firmly with a toothpick, piercing both the bacon and the sweet potato. Once wrapped, arrange the bites in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even crisping of the bacon.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. For optimal crispiness and even cooking, it’s essential to flip the sweet potato bites over at the 20-25 minute mark. Continue baking until the bacon is beautifully crispy and the sweet potato is fork-tender. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
6. Serve Warm & Enjoy: These delectable bites are best served warm. Each piece is estimated to be 0.5-1 PersonalPoints (Weight Watchers) or 1 SmartPoint, depending on your individual zero-point food list and specific bacon choice. For an extra touch of gourmet sweetness, consider serving them with a small bowl of additional sugar-free syrup (or pure maple syrup) on the side for dipping.
7. Important Note on Nutritional Information: Please be aware that specific nutritional data (calories, fat, etc.) was not precisely calculated for this recipe. The Weight Watchers PersonalPoints or SmartPoints values provided are based on simple estimations of the ingredients used, particularly for lean bacon and sweet potato, which is often a zero-point food for many Weight Watchers plans. We always recommend verifying points based on your specific plan and the exact brands of ingredients you use for the most accurate tracking.

Course: Appetizer

Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny on Instagram!

Why These Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites Are a Must-Try

Beyond their delicious taste, these sweet potato and bacon bites offer a unique blend of textures and flavors that make them incredibly appealing. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato, enhanced by a hint of brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon, perfectly complements the salty, smoky crispness of the bacon. This sweet and savory contrast is a culinary delight, hitting all the right notes on your palate. They’re not just tasty; they’re also surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Moreover, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks or heavy appetizers, these bites are an excellent choice. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, offering a nutritious base. By opting for lean, low-point bacon and sugar-free syrup, you can enjoy a flavorful treat that aligns with many dietary goals, including Weight Watchers. It’s a smart choice that doesn’t compromise on the indulgence factor.

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

The success of these Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites lies in the quality and type of ingredients you choose. Let’s delve a little deeper into how to pick the best components for your dish:

• Sweet Potatoes: A large, firm sweet potato is ideal. Look for ones with smooth skin and no soft spots. While a single large potato should yield about 30 cubes, having an extra on hand ensures you have enough. The natural sweetness of the potato forms the perfect foundation for this recipe.
• Bacon: The recipe specifically calls for “low-point bacon,” and for good reason. Center-cut or lean bacon varieties typically have less fat, which reduces the overall calorie and point count. Brands like Oscar Mayer center cut are popular choices for this. If you’re not tracking points, any good quality streaky bacon will work, but be mindful of the fat content, which can affect crispiness and flavor balance. Cutting the bacon in half ensures a good sweet potato to bacon ratio for each bite.
• Sugar-Free Syrup: This is crucial for keeping the Weight Watchers points low. Many brands offer sugar-free maple or pancake syrups that mimic the flavor of traditional maple syrup without the added sugars and calories. If dietary restrictions aren’t a concern, pure maple syrup will provide a richer, more authentic maple flavor, but it will increase the point value.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: These two ingredients are the magical enhancers. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramelized sweetness compared to white sugar, while cinnamon provides a warm, inviting spice that perfectly complements both the sweet potato and the maple. Don’t skimp on these; they truly elevate the flavor profile.
• Toothpicks: A small detail, but essential! Wooden toothpicks are perfect for securing the bacon around the sweet potato cubes. They ensure that the bacon crisps up nicely around the potato, creating that delightful texture contrast.

Tips for Mastering Your Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve perfection every time:

• Even Cubes are Key: When cutting your sweet potato, try to make the cubes as uniform as possible. This ensures that every piece cooks evenly, so you don’t end up with some crunchy and some mushy bites. About 1-inch cubes are ideal for a single bite.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each sweet potato bite its space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast and crisp, especially the bacon. Using two baking sheets if necessary is better than overcrowding one.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: This isn’t just for easy cleanup! Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and promotes better crisping of the bacon by allowing excess fat to render away without gluing the bites to the pan.
• The Flip is Crucial: Don’t forget to flip the bites halfway through cooking. This step is vital for getting both sides of the bacon beautifully crispy and ensuring the sweet potato cooks evenly.
• Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your bites, especially towards the end of the baking time. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, and the sweet potato should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

These Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Appetizer Star: They are perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or any occasion where you need a quick, impressive, and delicious finger food.
• Savory Side Dish: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled fish for a unique and flavorful accompaniment to your main course.
• Brunch Delight: These bites can be a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, offering a savory-sweet element that pairs well with eggs, pancakes, or fruit.
• Dipping Fun: While delicious on their own, a small dish of extra sugar-free syrup (or even a spicy maple-sriracha sauce for a kick!) makes a wonderful dipping option.
• Spice It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness. A tiny dash of nutmeg or allspice could also enhance the warm, autumnal notes.
• Herbal Twist: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary after baking can add an unexpected aromatic dimension that pairs beautifully with both sweet potatoes and bacon.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, they’re that good!), these bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method for retaining crispiness is to warm them in an oven or air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crispy again. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but it may result in softer bacon.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe

These Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. They embody the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, offering a satisfying bite every single time. Whether you’re a long-time sweet potato lover or a newcomer to its delights, this recipe, enhanced by the irresistible allure of bacon, is sure to become a cherished favorite. It’s simple enough for everyday enjoyment yet impressive enough to steal the show at any gathering. So, don’t wait any longer – gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will leave you craving more. Happy cooking!