Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats

Teresa Ambra

2013 – Gluten Free Living

I think Sweet Potato Bacon Boats is my F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E sweet potato recipe. No kidding. I absolutely love this recipe. It’s loaded with cheese and bacon making it a savory rather than a sweet dish that’s most typical of sweet potato recipes.

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While it’s a typical side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holiday dinners, I like it served with any kind of main dish meat entree all through the year. In fact, it’s such a hearty dish, you can serve this dish without meat at all, and make it your entree! While this isn’t exactly a low calorie recipe, it is gluten free for anyone with gluten intolerance.

Years ago I found this wonderful, savory recipe for sweet potatoes in a magazine. I was looking for ways to make sweet potatoes other than candied, souffleed, with praline or marshmallow toppings, and the like.

I made this for a Thanksgiving dinner when our children were still young and we had John’s family over for the special meal. They were a hit with everyone and I still love making this filling, and satisfying comfort food recipe today. Sweet Potato Bacon Boats are so amazing to taste, I could eat them almost daily if I could get away with it. Alas, I have to choose lighter fare most of the time. 🙂

After I made  Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes a couple of weeks ago I realized I was craving this flavorful recipe. Yes, you already know how much I love sweet potatoes, but load them up with bacon and cheddar cheese and oh, my. Sweet Potato Bacon Boats are simply spectacular! In fact, they are so substantial that you can actually have these for a main dish or lunch.

If you are ready for a new way to prepare sweet potatoes, consider making them savory for a change instead of sweet. The recipe for Sweet Potato Bacon Boats is really easy. The hardest thing is removing the sweet potato from the shell while still leaving some of the pulp intact so the shell holds its shape adequately to re-stuff the potato. If you like sweet potatoes, and if you eat bacon and cheddar cheese, the combination is incredible. Try out this recipe for your next holiday feast, or just because!

When I first posted this recipe in March 2013, I was really disappointed with the appearance of the potatoes. My camera was just an iPhone, and it was dark at night so the potatoes looked dark and not as elegant as they really are. On top of that, the large whopper sweet potatoes I used, were not conducive to this recipe because they were over-stuffed.

I recently remade this lovely recipe (October 2014) for a regular family dinner with Parmesan Pork Chops and decided to take a few new pictures so you can better appreciate what this dish is supposed to turn out like. I hope you enjoy.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats are loaded with bacon and cheddar cheese.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats are a great side dish for any main dish entree, including Parmesan Pork Chops!

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

I like a lot of bacon and cheese on top also to garnish the sweet potatoes and add extra zest. I also garnish them with diced green onions.

Here’s what I did.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Bake sweet potatoes. While the sweet potatoes are baking prepare the stuffing ingredients. Microwave or bake bacon. You can also fry it, but I like it microwaved the best–it takes out all the grease. I usually microwave about 1 minute per slice.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Remove potatoes from oven. Cut a slit out of the top carefully.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Scoop out sweet potato pulp being careful to leave an edge so you can put the filling back into the shell. The potatoes are very hot. You will need to hold them with potholders while you do this. You don’t want them to cool too much or you will have to rebake them. 

You must leave some of the pulp in the shells in order for the potatoes to hold their shape.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Place sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Add the sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl with butter, cheese, salt and pepper.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Add bacon pieces. Stir to combine.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Pipe stuffing into boats (shells).

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Bake about 20-25 minutes to heat through before adding topping.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Remove from oven and add cheese and bacon pieces on top of sweet potato filling and press into the mixture slightly.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Bake at 350 for another 10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Here are the potatoes fresh out of the oven. Yum, yum!

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Don’t Sweet Potato Bacon Boats look spectacular? They taste incredibly wonderful. 

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Garnish with green onions and even sour cream, if desired. All things considered, these sweet potatoes are not all that difficult to make and you have a very substantial and satisfying side dish for almost any meat you want to serve.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats are my favorite way to eat sweet potatoes during the holidays.

Here’s the recipe.

SWEET POTATO BACON BOATS

(From a magazine)

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats

Teresa Ambra
Sweet Potato Bacon Boats is one of the most spectacular sweet potato recipes ever! This luscious sweet potato recipe has loads of bacon and cheese stuffed into mashed sweet potato shells. It's a terrific side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Gluten free.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Veggie Side Dish/Casserole
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8
Calories 407 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large roasting pan or baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 electric mixer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 large skillet to fry bacon

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 medium sweet potatoes 3 lbs.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon crisp-cooked
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 cup additional cooked bacon for garnish
  • 1/2 cup additional cheddar cheese for garnish
  • 1 green onion sliced for garnish, if desired
  • 1/3 cup sour cream for garnish, if desired

Instructions
 

  • Scrub potatoes.
  • Bake in 350° oven for 1 hour or until done.
  • Depending on size they may take longer.
  • Meanwhile, fry bacon in skillet over low to medium heat; drain on paper towels.
  • Crumble bacon into small pieces; set aside.
  • Cut slice from top of each potato.
  • Scoop out inside being careful not to break shell.
  • In mixing bowl, beat together potatoes, cheese, butter, salt and pepper with an electric mixer until fluffy.
  • Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon.
  • Pile mixture into potato shells.
  • Bake in 350° oven for 25-30 minutes.
  • Top with additional cheese and bacon, if desired.
  • Bake about 10 minutes longer, until cheese melts.
  • Garnish with green onions and sour cream, if desired.

Notes

NOTE: I used an additional 3 slices of bacon and another ½ to ¾ cup cheddar cheese for the topping. Bake an additional 10 minutes or so until cheese is melted.
 
NOTE: I think working with medium-to-large sweet potatoes is easier than working very small ones for this recipe.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 703mgPotassium: 677mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 24529IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 216mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bacon, cheese, side dish, sweet potatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Sweet Potato Bacon Boats[/b]
Recipe Type: Veggie/Side Dish/Casserole
Cuisine: Southern
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from a magazine, circa late 1970s, or early 1980s
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
This luscious sweet potato recipe is loaded with bacon and cheese and the mixture is poured back into the shells. This recipe is gluten free.
Ingredients
  • 6-8 medium sweet potatoes (3 lbs.)
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained and crumbled
  • 4 tbsp. butter, softened
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • additional cooked bacon and cheese for garnish
  • green onions and sour cream for garnish, if desired
Instructions
  1. Scrub potatoes.
  2. Bake in 350° oven for 1 hour or until done.
  3. Depending on size they may take longer.
  4. Cut slice from top of each potato.
  5. Scoop out inside being careful not to break shell.
  6. In mixing bowl, beat together potatoes, cheese, butter, salt and pepper until fluffy.
  7. Fold in crumbled bacon.
  8. Pile mixture into potato shells.
  9. Bake in 350° oven for 25-30 minutes.
  10. Top with additional cheese and bacon, if desired.
  11. Bake about 10 minutes longer, until cheese melts.
  12. Garnish with green onions and sour cream, if desired.
Notes
I used an additional 3 slices of bacon and another ½ to ¾ cup cheddar cheese for the topping. Bake an additional 10 minutes or so until cheese is melted. I think working with medium-to-large sweet potatoes is easier than working very small ones for this recipe.
Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

These Sweet Potato Bacon Boats taste as great as they look!

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Yes, they are loaded with cheese and bacon but this recipe is wonderful for special indulgences every now and then! 

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats are a great alternative to Candied Sweet Potatoes, or Sweet Potato Casseroles for holiday baking

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

I love Sweet Potato Bacon Boats. Bacon and cheese make everything better!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes | I LOVE these mouthwatering #sweetpotatoes! They're hearty, filling and substantial enough for #MeatlessMondays. This #TexMex version is so flavorful & sumptuous you won't want to stop eating them. I sure didn't. Healthy, clean-eating #glutenfree #CincoDeMayo

Sweet Potatoes Parmesan

Sweet Potatoes Parmesan | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this is one of our favorite savory #sweetpotato #casseroles. It's filled & topped with #parmesancheese. Great for #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
Sweet Potato Bacon Boats | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Amazing #sidedish loaded with #bacon & #cheddarcheese. This is my favorite #SweetPotatoes #recipe for #holidays like #Thanksgiving or #Christmas.

Sweet Potato Bacon Boats

Teresa Ambra
Sweet Potato Bacon Boats is one of the most spectacular sweet potato recipes ever! This luscious sweet potato recipe has loads of bacon and cheese stuffed into mashed sweet potato shells. It’s a terrific side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Gluten free.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Veggie Side Dish/Casserole
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8
Calories 407 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large roasting pan or baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 electric mixer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 large skillet to fry bacon

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 medium sweet potatoes 3 lbs.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon crisp-cooked
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 cup additional cooked bacon for garnish
  • 1/2 cup additional cheddar cheese for garnish
  • 1 green onion sliced for garnish, if desired
  • 1/3 cup sour cream for garnish, if desired

Instructions
 

  • Scrub potatoes.
  • Bake in 350° oven for 1 hour or until done.
  • Depending on size they may take longer.
  • Meanwhile, fry bacon in skillet over low to medium heat; drain on paper towels.
  • Crumble bacon into small pieces; set aside.
  • Cut slice from top of each potato.
  • Scoop out inside being careful not to break shell.
  • In mixing bowl, beat together potatoes, cheese, butter, salt and pepper with an electric mixer until fluffy.
  • Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon.
  • Pile mixture into potato shells.
  • Bake in 350° oven for 25-30 minutes.
  • Top with additional cheese and bacon, if desired.
  • Bake about 10 minutes longer, until cheese melts.
  • Garnish with green onions and sour cream, if desired.

Notes

NOTE: I used an additional 3 slices of bacon and another ½ to ¾ cup cheddar cheese for the topping. Bake an additional 10 minutes or so until cheese is melted.
 
NOTE: I think working with medium-to-large sweet potatoes is easier than working very small ones for this recipe.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 703mgPotassium: 677mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 24529IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 216mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bacon, cheese, side dish, sweet potatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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