This dish takes the traditional holiday sweet potato casserole and gives it a savory twist with just the right touch of sweetness. The sweet potatoes are baked until tender, whipped until creamy, and seasoned with a hint of garlic for an unexpected flavor boost. The topping is the true star — smoky bacon pieces coated in caramelized brown sugar, crisped to perfection in the oven. Whether served as part of a holiday feast or as a comforting side for a family dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Savory Sweet Potato Bake with Crispy Bacon and Brown Sugar
-
4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lb / 900 g)
-
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
-
1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
-
2 eggs
-
1 tsp (5 g) seasoned salt
-
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) pepper
-
1/4 tsp (1.25 g) garlic powder
-
6 slices bacon (about 6 oz / 170 g)
-
3 Tbsp (40 g) brown sugar
How to Make Savory Sweet Potato Bake with Crispy Bacon and Brown Sugar
-
Bake the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until tender. Allow them to cool until safe to handle, then peel.
-
Keep the oven set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
-
In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes. Using an electric mixer, beat in the milk, butter, eggs, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
-
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp.
-
Crumble the bacon and mix it with the brown sugar. For a finer texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor.
-
Sprinkle the bacon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potato base.
-
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is crisp and caramelized.
A Side Dish That Steals the Show
This isn’t just another sweet potato casserole — it’s a side dish with personality. The creamy, garlicky base pairs beautifully with the smoky-sweet crunch of the topping, making it irresistible to anyone who tries it. Whether you serve it alongside roasted meats or as a centerpiece for your holiday spread, it’s sure to become one of your most requested recipes.
