Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers Recipe – Candied, Crispy & Perfect for Parties
These Candied Sweet Potato and Bacon Skewers are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer! Tender roasted sweet potatoes are wrapped in smoky bacon, brushed with a maple-brown sugar glaze, and baked until caramelized and crispy. Perfect for holiday parties, game day snacks, or festive gatherings, these skewers are easy to assemble and guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve them warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra glaze for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Wire rack (optional)
- Skewers (wooden soaked in water, or metal)
- Tongs or spatula
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 slices regular-cut bacon, halved or cut into thirds
- 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)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Sea salt for finishing
- Dipping sauces: marshmallow fluff, spicy aioli, or maple mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Parboil sweet potato cubes in boiling water for 5–7 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, cayenne, and garlic powder.
- Toss Potatoes in glaze until evenly coated.
- Assemble Skewers: Wrap bacon around sweet potato cubes or alternate them on skewers.
- Bake or Grill: Place skewers on prepared sheet (or wire rack). Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp and potatoes are caramelized.
- Optional: Brush with extra glaze during the last 5 minutes for added shine.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces and garnish with herbs or sea salt.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overboil—keep cubes firm enough to skewer.
- Use a wire rack for crispier bacon.
- Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Taste and tweak the glaze—add more spice or sweetness to suit your crowd.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.