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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites – Best Easy Appetizer

bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites with maple glaze are the perfect appetizer—salty, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy. Easy to make in about 35 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will convert even the most stubborn sweet potato skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes total)
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using foil, give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them as uniform as possible—this is the key to even cooking. You should end up with about 24 cubes. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Toss until every piece is coated.
  3. Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes. They should be just starting to soften but still hold their shape—you want them tender but not mushy.
  4. While the sweet potatoes roast, make the maple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne if using. Stir until the butter melts and everything comes together. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sweet potato cubes cool for about 5 minutes—enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers. Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each sweet potato cube, overlapping the ends. Place each wrapped bite seam-side down on the baking sheet. If the bacon tries to unroll, secure it with a toothpick.
  6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bacon is starting to crisp and brown. The edges should look golden and the fat should be rendering nicely.
  7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using your pastry brush, generously brush each bacon-wrapped bite with the maple glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized and the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let the bites rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This allows the glaze to set slightly and the bacon to finish crisping. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the par-roast step—it prevents soggy bacon. Use thin-cut bacon for best results. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped sweet potato bites, maple glaze appetizer, easy party appetizer, sweet potato bacon bites, game day snack