Pair with turkey or ham for a festive holiday table
These golden-brown sweet-potato rounds are the ultimate holiday indulgence! Crispy on the outside, tender within, and topped with smoky bacon and a glossy maple-mustard glaze, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your Christmas feast.
When you want to elevate your holiday sides without overcomplicating things, these sweet-potato rounds are your secret weapon. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that complement any main dish.
The maple-mustard glaze adds a tangy-sweet contrast to the smoky bacon, while the caramelized edges of the sweet potato create a textural masterpiece. This dish is perfect for those who love the balance of sweet and savory in their holiday cooking.
With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of oven time, these rounds are a make-ahead marvel that will have your guests raving about your culinary skills. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well!
Pair them with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even as a festive addition to your Christmas charcuterie board. The possibilities are endless!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving
With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfect for busy holiday hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
💰 Cost-Effective
Sweet potatoes and bacon are pantry staples that deliver restaurant-quality flavor without breaking the bank.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors appeals to a wide range of palates, making this a hit with both kids and adults.
🌟 Visually Stunning
The golden-brown rounds with caramelized edges and glossy glaze create a professional-looking dish that’s perfect for holiday photography.
Savory Sweet-Potato & Bacon Rounds
Decadent Holiday Side
🛒 Ingredients
- - 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" rounds
- - 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- - 1/2 cup maple syrup
- - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- - 1 tsp smoked paprika
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Sweet Potatoes: Toss sweet potato rounds in olive oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
💡 Use a silicone spatula to ensure even seasoning coverage.
Roast: Spread on parchment-lined baking sheets and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
💡 For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
Make Glaze: Whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
💡 Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or tartness with extra vinegar.
Assemble: Brush glaze over hot sweet potatoes, then top with crumbled bacon.
💡 Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes
The star of this dish! They caramelize beautifully and absorb the glaze perfectly.
Substitutions: Regular potatoes (less sweet), but sweet potatoes are ideal for the flavor balance.
Bacon
Adds smoky richness and crispy texture. Don’t skip it!
Substitutions: Smoked turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Maple Syrup
Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
Substitutions: Honey or brown sugar (adjust quantity to taste).
Dijon Mustard
Adds tangy brightness to cut through the sweetness.
Substitutions: Yellow mustard (milder), or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet-Potato Rounds
🍂 Optimal Roasting
Use parchment-lined baking sheets for even heat distribution. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
🔥 Glaze Timing
Brush glaze on during the last 5 minutes of roasting to avoid burning. Add bacon after glazing for best texture.
🍁 Flavor Boost
Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving for an aromatic finish.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Roast the sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead, then reheat and add glaze/bacon just before serving.
Variations & Customizations
Korean-Inspired
Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the glaze for a spicy-sweet twist. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Cheesy Delight
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top for a melty, savory layer.
Vegan Version
Use vegan bacon and maple syrup. The glaze remains vegan-friendly.
Low-Sugar Option
Replace maple syrup with a mix of apple juice and a dash of stevia for reduced sugar.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted Turkey – The glaze complements turkey’s richness
- Honey-Glazed Ham – Sweet-potato rounds balance the ham’s sweetness
- Herbed Mashed Potatoes – Creamy texture contrasts with the rounds’ crispiness
- Green Bean Casserole – Adds vibrant color and freshness
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Riesling to complement the sweet-savory balance.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Roast sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before adding glaze and bacon.
Refrigerator Storage
Store assembled rounds in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unglazed roasted sweet potatoes for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before adding glaze and bacon.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave for best crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My sweet potatoes are soggy. What did I do wrong?
A: Likely overcrowded on the baking sheet. Use two sheets or roast in batches for crispiness.
Q: Can I use sweet potato fries instead?
A: Yes! Cut fries into rounds or use as is. Adjust roasting time accordingly.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven for best results.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but use separate baking sheets to avoid sogginess. Double the glaze ingredients as well.
Final Thoughts
These sweet-potato rounds are more than just a side dish—they’re a flavor explosion that will elevate any holiday meal. With their perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast or a Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe is your secret weapon for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Don’t forget to pair them with roasted turkey or ham for a complete holiday experience. The maple-mustard glaze adds a gourmet touch that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
