These Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties are a delightful blend of sweet and savory. With tender roasted sweet potatoes wrapped in smoky turkey bacon, brushed with a maple-brown sugar glaze, and baked to perfection, these skewers are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for game day snacks, these appetizers will impress your guests and vanish quickly from the platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these skewers effortlessly.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet potatoes and turkey bacon creates a delicious balance of flavors that will satisfy any palate.
- Versatile Appetizer: Great for parties, brunches, or as a side dish at family dinners. These skewers fit any occasion perfectly.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit among guests of all ages!
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious skewers, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large pot for boiling
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for roasting the skewers, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients while making the glaze.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate ingredients smoothly when making the glaze.
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 slices regular-cut Turkey Bacon, halved or cut into thirds
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne or chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
For Garnishing
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Sea salt for finishing
Dipping Sauces (Optional)
- Vegan marshmallows fluff
- Spicy aioli
- Maple mustard
How to Make Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Parboil Sweet Potatoes
Parboil the sweet potato cubes in boiling water for 5–7 minutes until they are just fork-tender. Drain them well and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, cayenne, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 4: Coat Potatoes in Glaze
Toss the parboiled sweet potato cubes in the glaze until they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble Skewers
Wrap each sweet potato cube with turkey bacon. You can also alternate them on skewers if preferred.
Step 6: Bake or Grill Skewers
Place the assembled skewers on your prepared baking sheet (or wire rack). Roast them in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until the turkey bacon is crispy and the potatoes are caramelized.
Step 7: Optional Glaze Brush
For an extra touch of flavor and shine, brush with additional glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve these delicious skewers warm with your choice of dipping sauces. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt for an enhanced taste experience. Enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
These Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers are a delightful addition to any gathering. Their sweet-and-savory flavor profile makes them versatile for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
As Appetizers
- Serve warm on a platter as bite-sized appetizers that guests can easily grab.
- Pair with toothpicks for individual servings, making them perfect for mingling.
With Dipping Sauces
- Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as vegan marshmallow fluff, spicy aioli, or maple mustard to complement the flavors.
- Create a dipping station where guests can choose their favorites.
Garnished with Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme over the skewers for an aromatic finish.
- Consider adding a dash of sea salt just before serving to elevate the taste.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- Include these skewers on a charcuterie board along with cheeses, nuts, and fruits for an impressive display.
- Arrange them alongside other savory snacks for a balanced offering.
How to Perfect Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
To ensure your Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips.
- Use uniform sizes: Cut sweet potatoes into even cubes to ensure they cook evenly throughout.
- Adjust cooking time: Monitor the skewers closely while baking or grilling; cooking times may vary based on your equipment.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to customize the glaze by adding different spices like smoked paprika or cumin for added depth of flavor.
- Pre-cook turkey bacon: For extra crispiness, briefly cook turkey bacon in a skillet before wrapping it around the sweet potatoes.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
Pairing side dishes with these skewers will create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side dish that balances the sweetness of the skewers.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the richness of the turkey bacon.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables provide vibrant colors and flavors that enhance your appetizer spread.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful texture and sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinaigrette offers coolness and brightness against the hearty skewers.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts add earthiness and pair perfectly with the sweet notes from the skewers.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies is nutritious and complements the flavor profile well.
- Baked Beans: Savory baked beans provide a hearty side that enhances the overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers, a few common pitfalls can detract from your culinary success. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not parboiling the sweet potatoes: Skipping this step can lead to undercooked potatoes. Parboiling ensures they are tender and cook evenly alongside the bacon.
- Using the wrong size of skewers: Choosing skewers that are too short can make assembling difficult. Opt for longer skewers to accommodate the sweet potatoes and turkey bacon comfortably.
- Skipping the glaze: Neglecting to coat your ingredients in glaze results in less flavor. The glaze adds sweetness and helps in achieving that candied texture, so don’t skip it!
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Packing too many skewers on one tray can lead to uneven cooking. Space them out to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even crispness.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not adjusting spices or flavors according to your taste may lead to bland skewers. Feel free to tweak the cinnamon, cayenne, or add fresh herbs based on your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will last up to 3 days when properly stored.
Freezing Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
- Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake skewers for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers:
Can I use other types of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon with chicken or beef turkey bacon if preferred.
How do I make these skewers vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace turkey bacon with plant-based alternatives like tempeh or mushrooms.
What dipping sauces go well with these skewers?
Popular options include vegan marshmallow fluff, spicy aioli, and maple mustard for added flavor.
How can I customize my Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini between sweet potato cubes for extra color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering! Whether served as an appetizer at parties or enjoyed as a snack during game day, they promise delightful flavors. Feel free to customize them by adding different spices or vegetables according to your taste preferences!
Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Delight your guests with these Sweet Potato and Turkey Bacon Skewers, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will elevate any gathering. Tender roasted sweet potatoes wrapped in crispy turkey bacon and brushed with a delicious maple-brown sugar glaze create an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly from the platter. Ideal for parties, game day snacks, or holiday celebrations, these skewers offer a delightful flavor experience that everyone will love. Easily customizable with different herbs or dipping sauces, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 slices turkey bacon, halved or cut into thirds
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne or chili powder (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Sea salt for finishing
- Vegan marshmallows fluff (optional)
- Spicy aioli (optional)
- Maple mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Parboil sweet potato cubes for 5–7 minutes until just fork-tender; drain and cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and garlic powder until smooth.
- Toss parboiled sweet potato cubes in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Wrap each sweet potato cube with turkey bacon and assemble on skewers.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until bacon is crispy and potatoes are caramelized.
- Brush with additional glaze during the last 5 minutes if desired. Serve warm with optional dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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