Easy and so incredibly delicious, these Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter, Parmesan, Bacon and Sage will be a crowd favorite not only for the holidays, but ALL year long!
In the culinary world, some dishes are more than just food; they are experiences. Our Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter, Parmesan, Bacon, and Sage fall squarely into this category. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to captivate your palate and elevate any meal. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping Thanksgiving side, a festive holiday appetizer, or simply a comforting dish to brighten your weeknight, these smashed sweet potatoes deliver an unparalleled gourmet experience that will be cherished year-round.
This post is proudly brought to you through a collaboration with Honest Cooking and The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission. As always, all culinary insights and opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support, which enables The Beach House Kitchen to bring you delightful recipes and culinary inspiration.
As the crisp air of autumn settles in and holiday preparations begin, our thoughts naturally turn to comforting, flavorful dishes that gather loved ones around the table. While Thanksgiving often brings traditional fare to mind, we believe in celebrating the joy of good food all year. Sweet potatoes, with their inherent sweetness and incredible versatility, are a staple in our kitchen far beyond the holiday season. They seamlessly transform from savory fries to hearty breakfast hashes, adding nutritional value and delicious flavor to countless meals. It’s this everyday adaptability that makes them such a beloved ingredient, truly transcending their seasonal reputation.
When The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission approached us to craft a recipe showcasing the incredible qualities of sweet potatoes, it was an exciting opportunity. Their initiative, “Be Sweet More Often,” resonates deeply with our philosophy of spreading joy through food, especially in the spirit of World Kindness Day on November 13th. This campaign encourages us all to find small ways to make a difference, to sweeten our lives and the lives of those around us, and what better way to do that than through a thoughtfully prepared, delicious meal?
North Carolina holds a special place as the #1 sweet potato producing state in the U.S., a legacy proudly maintained by the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission since 1971. This isn’t just a matter of quantity; it’s a testament to the exceptional quality and flavor of the sweet potatoes cultivated in the region. The unique climate and rich soil contribute to sweet potatoes that are not only more flavorful but also boast a superior texture, making them incredibly versatile for a myriad of dishes. Beyond their taste, sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses. A single medium sweet potato packs an impressive punch of Vitamin A, alongside dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and essential minerals, all for just a little over 100 calories. They offer a wholesome, satisfying foundation for countless culinary creations, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
In selecting a recipe for the “Be Sweet More Often” initiative, our Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter, Parmesan, Bacon, and Sage stood out as the perfect choice. This dish beautifully marries simplicity with gourmet flair, requiring only a handful of ingredients to create something truly extraordinary. While the name itself is a mouthful, each component plays a vital role, contributing a distinct layer of flavor and texture that makes these little beauties irresistible. Omitting any one ingredient would diminish the rich tapestry of taste they collectively create.
The magic of this dish begins with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Cut into one-inch rounds, these vibrant orange discs are baked until tender, their natural sugars caramelizing slightly to enhance their inherent sweetness. Once tender, they are gently smashed, creating an uneven surface that is wonderfully crisp on the edges and creamy in the center. This smashing technique isn’t just for aesthetics; it provides more nooks and crannies for the delicious toppings to cling to, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
The foundation of its exquisite taste is the browned butter. This isn’t merely melted butter; it’s butter transformed into a nutty, aromatic elixir, its milk solids toasted to a beautiful golden hue. Drizzling this fragrant browned butter over the warm, smashed sweet potatoes immediately infuses them with a depth of flavor that is utterly captivating. While sweet potatoes with browned butter are already a culinary triumph on their own, we believe in elevating perfection. A subtle sprinkle of brown sugar enhances the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness without overpowering them, creating a harmonious balance.
But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese introduces a delightful salty, umami kick, contrasting beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the butter. Crispy bacon bits contribute a smoky, savory counterpoint and a satisfying textural crunch, making each bite an adventure. Finally, fresh sage, with its earthy and slightly peppery notes, ties all the elements together, providing an aromatic finish that is particularly evocative of autumn and the holiday season. This combination is nothing short of spectacular, a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for more.
These Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter, Parmesan, Bacon, and Sage are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to experience the incredible versatility and deliciousness of North Carolina sweet potatoes. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for a grand holiday feast, an intimate family dinner, or even as an elegant appetizer for your next gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma make it a visual and aromatic delight even before the first bite. The subtle balance of sweet and savory, crispy and creamy, makes it a universally appealing choice for any occasion.
So, we wholeheartedly encourage you to “Be Sweet More Often” by preparing a batch of these delectable smashed sweet potatoes. Share them with your family, friends, or neighbors, and witness the joy they bring. Food has a unique power to connect people, to express care, and to create lasting memories. This recipe, crafted with the finest North Carolina sweet potatoes, is a wonderful way to embody that spirit of kindness and generosity. You will undoubtedly fall in love with this dish and find yourself making it not just for special occasions, but throughout the entire year. To get the full recipe and start your culinary journey, simply head over to The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission website. Enjoy every delicious bite!