Description
These Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes combine creamy mashed sweet potatoes with rich brown butter, smoky bourbon, and crispy bacon and sage for a flavorful and elegant side dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
Bacon and Sage
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 15 to 20 sage leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons brown butter
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sweet potato chunks to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Cook the Bacon: While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook either until crispy or about 3/4 done so the fat renders. You can finish cooking crispy bacon in the oven later if preferred. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Crispy Sage: Remove about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet and reserve it in a bowl. To the same skillet, add butter and heat over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Drain and Mash Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash them with a fork or potato masher, then whip them using a whisk or electric mixer for smooth texture.
- Mix in Flavorings: Add the reserved bacon fat, milk, bourbon, and brown butter to the whipped potatoes. Whip the mixture again until everything is combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve or Bake: To serve immediately, spread potatoes in a dish, top with crispy bacon, and crumble sage over the top. If serving later, preheat oven to 325°F (165°C), add bacon on top of the potatoes, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes before removing and topping with sage.
Notes
- For extra crispy bacon, finish cooking it in a preheated oven after partially frying.
- You can double the recipe easily to serve a larger group.
- Bourbon adds a subtle smoky sweetness; adjust quantity to taste or omit if preferred.
- Brown butter intensifies the nutty richness of the potatoes and complements the sage perfectly.
- If dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
