There is something truly magical about the combination of smoky chipotle, sweet tender potatoes, and crispy bacon that makes the Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe a must-try for any foodie looking to elevate their side dishes. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that creates bold, balanced flavors with a hint of spice and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite main course or enjoying it as a comforting dish on its own, these chipotle sweet potatoes with bacon will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver a dish rich in flavor, vibrant in color, and perfectly textured. Each element contributes its own unique touch—from the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the fiery kick of chipotle and the irresistible crispiness of bacon.
- Sweet potatoes: Four large potatoes peeled and cubed for a naturally sweet and creamy base.
- Butter: Four tablespoons to add richness and help achieve the perfect mashed texture.
- Chipotle pepper: One and a half to three teaspoons chopped, bringing smoky spiciness that wakes up your palate.
- Adobo sauce: Half to one teaspoon adds depth and a subtle tangy heat from the canned chipotle peppers.
- Salt: One teaspoon to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Bacon: Three strips cooked and crumbled for that crave-worthy crispy, smoky contrast.
- Green onion: One chopped, adding freshness and a pop of green color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the steaming setup
Start by filling a saucepan with about three inches of water. Cover it with a lid and place it over high heat to bring the water to a rolling boil. This steaming method is key to keeping those sweet potato cubes tender without losing their natural moisture or flavor.
Step 2: Cube and arrange sweet potatoes
While the water heats, peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into roughly one-inch cubes. This size helps them steam evenly and become perfectly fork-tender in about 20 minutes. Place the cubed potatoes in a steamer basket ready for cooking.
Step 3: Steam the sweet potatoes
Once your water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Place the steamer basket over the pan, making sure the water stays about two inches below the basket so the potatoes steam rather than boil. Cover with the lid and let them steam for 20 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Mash and season
Transfer the now-soft potatoes into a large bowl. Add butter straight away so it melts into the warmth of the potatoes. Mash them thoroughly using a potato masher until smooth but still a bit rustic. Fold in the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and salt, mashing again to mingle all those smoky and spicy flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Finish with bacon and green onions
To complete the dish, sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon and chopped green onions on top. These toppings add delightful texture and a fresh, savory twist, making each bite a delicious experience.
How to Serve Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your plate with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess that tones down the heat if you prefer. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and color, making this dish feel special and vibrant.
Side Dishes
These chipotle sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad. The smoky spice and sweetness complement hearty mains and bring a lovely warmth to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the potatoes in small ramekins or hollowed-out sweet potato skins for a stunning presentation. You can also spread them on a large platter with splashes of fresh herbs and crispy bacon for a family-style vibe that encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Place the mashed sweet potatoes with chipotle in a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving some space for expansion. They will keep their vibrant flavor and texture for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the potatoes in a covered dish in the oven or microwave. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and add a little extra butter or splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess before serving.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe suggests a range for chipotle pepper and adobo sauce so you can easily scale the heat up or down according to your taste. Start with less if you prefer mild, and add more as you get comfortable.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone simply wanting wholesome, clean ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider topping with additional green onions or toasted nuts for crunch and flavor. A smoky paprika or chipotle-infused oil can boost that smoky note without meat.
What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes with bright orange flesh. These hold up well to steaming and mash beautifully for this recipe’s texture and flavor.
Can I use fresh chipotle peppers instead of canned?
Fresh chipotle peppers can be used but they might be even spicier and less saucy than canned ones, so start small and adjust carefully. The adobo sauce from the can also adds a unique tangy richness that fresh peppers won’t provide.
Final Thoughts
If you want a side dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress, the Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe is your new go-to. It’s hearty, smoky, spicy, and downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
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Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with Bacon recipe combines the natural sweetness of tender steamed sweet potatoes with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and savory crunch of crispy bacon. Mashed with butter and seasoned with adobo sauce and salt, this dish makes a flavorful and comforting side perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Seasonings & Add-ins
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 to 3 teaspoons chipotle pepper, chopped
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from can of chipotle peppers)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a saucepan with 3 inches of water, cover it, and set over high heat to bring the water to a boil.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed potatoes in a steamer basket.
- Steam Sweet Potatoes: Once the water is boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and place the steamer basket over the water. Cover with a lid, ensuring that the water is at least 2 inches below the basket.
- Cook Until Tender: Steam the sweet potatoes for about 20 minutes or until they are fork tender when pierced.
- Mash and Season: Transfer the steamed potatoes to a bowl, add butter, and mash with a potato masher. Stir in the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and salt until well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl and top with crumbled cooked bacon and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and adobo sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- To save time, cook bacon in advance or use pre-cooked bacon.
- If you prefer, the sweet potatoes can be boiled instead of steamed, but steaming helps retain more nutrients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
