Candied Sweet Potato & Bacon Skewers

These Candied Sweet Potato & Bacon Skewers are a delightful combination of sweet and savory elements, perfect for an appetizer or a side dish that will impress at any gathering. The roasted sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet flavor, which is beautifully juxtaposed with the salty crunch of bacon. Glazed with brown sugar and cinnamon, and finished off with a luscious drizzle of marshmallow fluff, these skewers guarantee to make any occasion more memorable.

Why you will love this recipe

You will love these skewers not only for their fantastic flavor but also for their colorful presentation. This dish is an excellent way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals while providing a unique twist that pleases both palate and eye. The combination of textures—from the tender sweet potatoes to the crispy bacon—paired with the creamy sweetness of marshmallow fluff, makes for a dish that hooks the taste buds at first bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a backyard barbecue, these skewers are both fun and delicious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Oven (preheating to ~400 °F / 200 °C)
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Mixing bowl for coating sweet potatoes
Skillet for cooking bacon
Paper towels for draining bacon
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
Pastry brush (optional) for brushing remaining sugar/cinnamon mix
Serving platter for finished skewers

Importance of Each Tool

The oven ensures even roasting of the sweet potatoes.
The parchment‑lined baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
The mixing bowl allows the sweet potatoes to be properly coated with sugar and cinnamon for that caramelized effect.
A skillet lets you render the bacon to crispy‑yet‑not‑overdone state (so that it finishes nicely on the skewer).
Paper towels remove excess grease from the bacon so it doesn’t make the skewers soggy.
Skewers create the fun presentation and allow the inter‑spacing of sweet potato and bacon.
The pastry brush (if used) helps apply the remaining glaze evenly to the skewers for an extra boost of flavor.
A serving platter presents the dish nicely at the table or party.

Preparation Tips

Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, heavy for size, and have smooth, unblemished skin. The sweeter varieties make for a more decadent flavor.
Uniform chop (approx. 1 inch chunks) ensures even roasting and consistent bite size.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for ~20 minutes before threading to reduce risk of burning.
Cook bacon to “crispy but not fully done” state — it will continue cooking on the skewer and you don’t want it over‑hard.
While roasting the sweet potatoes, turn them halfway through to ensure all sides caramelize evenly.
Reserve part of the sugar‑cinnamon mixture to brush onto the assembled skewers for an extra glaze.

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
8–10 strips of thick‑cut bacon
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup marshmallow fluff
Metal or soaked wooden skewers

Step‑by‑Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). While the oven is heating, wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into uniform, bite‑sized chunks (about 1 inch thick) for even cooking.
In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato chunks with half of the brown sugar and all of the ground cinnamon until they are well coated. This will give them that delicious caramelised kick when roasted.
Spread the coated sweet potato pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20‑25 minutes (or until tender and beginning to caramelise). Turn them halfway through to promote even cooking.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy but not overdone, as they will continue cooking once on the skewer. Remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, it’s time to assemble the skewers:
- Take a skewer and alternate threading a roasted sweet potato chunk, then a piece of bacon.
- Repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at each end for handling.
- After assembling, brush any remaining brown sugar‑cinnamon mixture over the skewers for extra flavour.
- Finish by drizzling the marshmallow fluff over the skewers just before serving for a delightful and eye‑catching finish.

Tips/Variations:

If you like a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño into the sugar‑cinnamon mixture.
For a vegetarian twist: skip the bacon altogether and instead thread sweet potatoes with chunks of marinated tofu or halloumi.
You could also substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar for a maple‑forward flavour.

Serving Suggestions

These Candied Sweet Potato & Bacon Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in various settings. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday spread, hosting a casual gathering, or preparing a special weekend dinner, these skewers can steal the spotlight or complement other dishes beautifully.

Best ways to serve these skewers:

Arrange them on a large platter for a buffet-style display.
Serve them as individual appetizers with toothpicks for a cocktail party.
Pair them with a side salad and serve as a light main course.
Offer with small dipping bowls of sauces like spicy mustard, smoky BBQ, or maple aioli.
Present them as a fun addition to a brunch table alongside eggs and pastries.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled for picnic-style meals.
Plate with microgreens or a drizzle of maple glaze for an elegant touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your skewers turn out perfectly every time.

Overcooking the bacon before skewering
Tip: Cook it until just crisp. It will continue cooking on the skewer.
Cutting sweet potatoes unevenly
Tip: Uniform size ensures even roasting. Stick to 1-inch chunks.
Not soaking wooden skewers
Tip: If using wood, soak in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Skimping on seasoning
Tip: Make sure all sweet potato chunks are thoroughly coated for full flavor.
Adding marshmallow fluff too early
Tip: Drizzle right before serving to prevent it from melting or burning.
Crowding the baking tray
Tip: Use a large enough tray to spread potatoes out in a single layer.
Skipping the turn during roasting
Tip: Turn once halfway through for even caramelization.
Serving without a dipping option
Tip: Sauces enhance the sweet-savory contrast—don’t skip them.

Side Dish Recommendations

Pairing your Candied Sweet Potato & Bacon Skewers with complementary side dishes elevates your meal. These eight ideas are flavorful, seasonally aligned, and easy to prepare:

1. Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Roasted with a maple-Dijon glaze, these sprouts echo the sweet-savory vibe.

2. Apple & Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula, crisp apples, and a tangy vinaigrette balance the richness of the skewers.

3. Cheddar Chive Cornbread

A buttery, cheesy side that complements the smoky bacon and sweet potatoes.

4. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A lower-carb, creamy option that supports the richness of the main dish.

5. Cranberry Walnut Couscous

Offers nutty crunch and tartness that contrast nicely with the skewers’ sweetness.

6. Spiced Quinoa Pilaf

Nutty, slightly spicy quinoa adds protein and texture.

7. Warm Kale & Sweet Onion Slaw

Sautéed kale and caramelized onions add earthy flavor to the meal.

8. Classic Macaroni & Cheese

The comfort of creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the crispy, sweet-savory skewers.

Recipe Tips, Storage & Reheating Instructions

Make the most of your Candied Sweet Potato & Bacon Skewers with these tips:

Recipe Tips

For extra caramelization: Use a blowtorch briefly on the marshmallow fluff before serving.
Marshmallow drizzle alternative: Try a maple glaze or whipped cream cheese with a dash of cinnamon.
Need to scale up? Double the recipe for parties; use two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.
Want a smoky kick? Add smoked paprika to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Hosting outdoors? Serve skewers on foil-lined platters to retain heat longer.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers: Place in an airtight container. Store up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing not recommended: The texture of sweet potatoes and fluff changes unfavorably when thawed.

Reheating Instructions

Oven (best method): Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place skewers on a lined baking tray, and heat for 8–10 minutes.
Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for crispiness.
Microwave: Not ideal but works in a pinch—reheat in 30-second bursts until warm.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. You can cut and season them a day ahead. Refrigerate in a sealed container and roast just before serving.

What sauces pair best with these skewers?

Spicy mustard, tangy barbecue, chipotle mayo, or maple aioli are all great complements.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes. Replace bacon with marinated tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas for crunch.

How do I make the skewers spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mix.

Can I cook these on the grill instead of the oven?

Absolutely. Use medium heat and grill the skewers for 10–15 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking.

Can I serve this dish cold?

It’s best warm or at room temperature. Cold bacon may lose its appealing texture.