These crispy smashed sweet potatoes with maple bacon and herbs are the perfect sweet and savory side dish for holidays, family dinners, and cozy fall meals. Tender roasted sweet potatoes are smashed, topped with a buttery maple bacon herb mixture, and roasted until golden and caramelized around the edges. If you’re looking for an easy sweet potato side dish that feels special enough for Thanksgiving but simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
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Why You’ll Love These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
There are plenty of sweet potato recipes out there, but this one strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, crispy, and buttery.
The sweet potatoes become creamy on the inside while developing irresistible crispy edges. Smoky bacon adds savory flavor, fresh rosemary and sage bring holiday-inspired warmth, and maple syrup ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness.
This recipe is:
- Easy to prepare
- Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Made with simple ingredients
- Naturally gluten-free
- A crowd-pleasing holiday side dish
- Great for make-ahead entertaining
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 to 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Maple Bacon Herb Topping
- 4 thick-cut bacon slices, diced
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Arrange the sweet potato slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each slice with a small amount of butter and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fork tender.
Step 2: Make the Maple Bacon Mixture
While the potatoes bake, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Remove excess grease if desired, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan.
Add the butter, maple syrup, rosemary, and sage. Stir until everything is combined and fragrant.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven.
Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently press each potato slice until slightly flattened.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Spoon the maple bacon herb mixture generously over each smashed sweet potato.
Step 5: Crisp and Caramelize
Return the pan to the oven and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching carefully until the edges become golden and crispy.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the final broil—it creates the irresistible crispy edges.
- Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor.
Variations
Add Pecans
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the potatoes before broiling for extra crunch.
Make Them Spicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple bacon mixture.
Add Cheese
Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta for a delicious sweet-and-savory combination.
Use Different Herbs
Try thyme, parsley, or chives depending on the season and what you have available.
What to Serve with Smashed Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes pair beautifully with:
They’re especially popular as a Thanksgiving side dish alongside stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make smashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Roast and smash the potatoes up to one day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and add the maple bacon topping before reheating and broiling.
Can I use white sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. White sweet potatoes are slightly less sweet and create a more potato-like texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze them?
While possible, the texture is best when served fresh. For optimal results, enjoy within a few days of making.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy sweet potato side dish that combines crispy edges, smoky bacon, buttery maple flavor, and fresh herbs, these crispy smashed sweet potatoes deserve a place on your table. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for your holiday spread. One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe disappears so quickly every time it’s served.
