Sweet-potato rounds wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with maple syrup create a decadent holiday side that pairs beautifully with any protein.
These maple-bacon-wrapped sweet-potato rounds are the ultimate holiday indulgence. The sweet potato’s natural sugars caramelize perfectly with maple glaze, while the bacon adds smoky depth. Each bite balances tender, buttery sweet potato with crispy bacon and sticky maple, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refined.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, these rounds elevate your side dish game. The combination of sweet, salty, and savory elements makes them a crowd-pleaser that pairs seamlessly with prime rib, roasted turkey, or even vegetarian mains.
With minimal prep time and impressive presentation, this intermediate-level recipe is ideal for hosts who want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The maple glaze’s sticky texture and bacon’s crispy edges add textural contrast, while the caramelized finish gives every bite a touch of gourmet elegance.
Whether served on a rustic wooden board or in a decorative platter, these rounds bring warmth and sophistication to your holiday table. Save this recipe for your next festive meal and discover why it’s a must-try for any holiday menu.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor Harmony
The marriage of sweet potato’s natural sweetness, bacon’s smoky saltiness, and maple’s caramelized richness creates a complex, crowd-pleasing flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Assemble the rounds up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake, saving time on the big day.
Versatile Pairing
Complements any main course—prime rib, roasted turkey, or vegetarian dishes—while standing out as a show-stopping side.
Textural Contrast
Crispy bacon, tender sweet potato, and sticky maple glaze create a satisfying mix of textures that keep each bite interesting.
Maple-Bacon-Wrapped Sweet-Potato Rounds
Decadent sweet-savory bites for holiday feasts
Ingredients
- - 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- - 12 thick-cut bacon slices
- - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- - 2 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 tsp smoked paprika
- - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel sweet potatoes and slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
💡 For extra crispiness, spread rounds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden.
Wrap with Bacon: Lay a bacon slice on a flat surface, slightly overlapping the edges. Place a sweet-potato round in the center. Fold bacon over the potato, tucking in the ends. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
💡 Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture balance between crispy and chewy.
Brush with Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix maple syrup with 1 tbsp of the reserved sweet-potato oil (or additional olive oil). Brush this glaze over the bacon-wrapped rounds.
💡 For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Bake to Perfection: Place wrapped rounds on a new parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and glaze is caramelized.
💡 For extra char, broil for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness and moisture make them ideal for caramelization. Substitute with regular potatoes for a heartier texture.
Substitutions: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
Bacon
Smoked bacon adds depth, but unsmoked works too. For a vegetarian version, use smoked tofu slices or tempeh.
Substitutions: Smoked tofu, tempeh, or pre-cooked bacon strips
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup provides a rich, complex flavor. Avoid pancake syrup for authenticity. For a vegan version, use agave nectar.
Substitutions: Agave nectar or brown sugar dissolved in water
Olive Oil
Enhances browning and prevents sticking. Can be omitted if using non-stick baking sheets.
Substitutions: Avocado oil or coconut oil
Pro Tips for Perfect Maple-Bacon-Wrapped Sweet-Potato Rounds
Glaze Consistency
Mix maple syrup with a splash of water to achieve a brushable consistency. This prevents the glaze from being too thick and ensures even coverage.
Toothpick Trick
Insert toothpicks vertically into the potato rounds before wrapping with bacon. This keeps the bacon in place during baking.
Batch Assembly
Assemble all rounds first before baking. This ensures even cooking and saves time flipping multiple batches.
Garnish Strategically
Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme or rosemary after baking for an aromatic finish and vibrant color contrast.
Variations & Customizations
Cajun Spiced
Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to the sweet-potato coating for a spicy Southern twist. Pair with bourbon glaze for extra depth.
Vegan Version
Use smoked tofu instead of bacon and vegan maple glaze. Tofu adds a smoky texture while maintaining the sweet-savory balance.
Mini Bites
Cut sweet-potato rounds into 1/4-inch slices for bite-sized appetizers. Serve on toothpicks for easy party serving.
Cheese Pairing
Add a slice of sharp cheddar inside each wrap for an extra layer of flavor. The cheese melts during baking, creating a gooey center.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted prime rib with horseradish sauce
- Herb-crusted turkey with cranberry relish
- Grilled salmon with dill foam
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the smoky bacon, or a sweet Riesling to balance the maple sweetness.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the wrapped rounds up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
Freezer Storage
Bake and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave use to maintain crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: How to prevent bacon from burning?
A: Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of your oven to avoid direct heat exposure. Flip rounds halfway through baking for even cooking.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A: Yes, but the texture will be less crispy. For best results, use raw bacon and bake as instructed.
Q: How to salvage undercooked sweet potatoes?
A: Return the rounds to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure proper heat circulation.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.
Final Thoughts
These maple-bacon-wrapped sweet-potato rounds are a holiday masterpiece that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. The sweet-savory balance and textural contrast make them a standout side that pairs beautifully with any main course.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a Christmas dinner, these rounds add a touch of gourmet flair to your table. Their make-ahead convenience and impressive presentation make them a must-try for any festive gathering. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next holiday menu!
