Imagine a side dish that combines the creamy, velvety sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon - sounds like a dream, right? These Mashed Sweet Potato Bacon Cups are about to become your new obsession! Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or when you simply want to elevate your meal with a show-stopping side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a culinary masterpiece that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cups
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly greasing each cup with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them multiple times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until they are completely soft and can be easily pierced with a knife.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and finely chop once cooled. Reserve some bacon bits for garnishing.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut them in half and scoop out the soft interior into a large mixing bowl.
- Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the sweet potato flesh. Mash thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Fold in most of the chopped bacon, reserving some for topping.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and creating a slight mound.
- Bake the filled muffin tin for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden and the edges are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen.
- Gently remove each sweet potato cup and place on a serving platter. Garnish with remaining bacon bits and freshly chopped chives.
- Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer. These cups can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon perfection: Cook bacon until it's crisp but not burnt. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a crunchy texture.
- Mashing technique: Use a potato masher or hand mixer for ultra-smooth sweet potatoes. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a gluey consistency.
- Make-ahead magic: You can prepare these cups up to a day in advance. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.
- Customize your cups: Experiment with add-ins like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a dash of maple syrup for extra flavor.
- Prevent sticking: Generously grease your muffin tin or use silicone liners for easy removal.
- Garnish game: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweet and savory elements perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
