Sweet Potato Boats with Bacon, Apples, and Cheddar Recipe

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 2 sweet potatoes, with no blemishes on the skin
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
• 2 scallions, sliced, white and green parts divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil.

Step 2: Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pat them dry. Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato. Rub the skins with olive oil, then place them on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 3: Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they start to soften. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 4: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a clean towel to protect your hand and slice them lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving about 1/4-inch of flesh inside the skin. Cut the partially cooked sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes, and return the skins, cut side down, to the sheet pan.

Step 5: Bake the skins for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they become crisp.

Step 6: While the skins are crisping up, cook the bacon in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside.

Step 7: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook in the rendered bacon fat for about 3 minutes, or until softened.

Step 8: Add the diced apples, sweet potato cubes, and the white parts of the scallions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until the apples are soft and the sweet potatoes are fully tender.

Step 9: Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet, lightly toss to combine, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 10: Evenly divide the mixture into the sweet potato "boats." Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of each boat, then return them to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the reserved scallion greens, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

• Calories: 404
• Total Fat: 22g (29% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (44% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 51mg (17% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 764mg (33% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g (12% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (20% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 17g (35% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 26mg (29% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 265mg (20% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 810mg (17% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data for all ingredients.

Sweet Potato Boats with Bacon, Apples, and Cheddar is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the savory richness of bacon, the sweetness of apples, and the creamy texture of Cheddar cheese, all nestled inside a baked sweet potato. This combination of flavors creates a satisfying side dish or a light main course that's both comforting and full of texture. The dish offers a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will delight your taste buds and is perfect for a fall meal or any time of year.

History and Origins

Sweet potatoes have been a staple in American cooking for centuries, particularly in the southern United States. Indigenous peoples of North America were among the first to cultivate sweet potatoes, and they played an important role in the diets of early settlers. The combination of sweet potatoes with bacon and cheese, however, is a more contemporary creation that reflects the trend of combining hearty, comfort food ingredients. The idea of stuffing sweet potatoes with various fillings such as meat, cheese, and vegetables has gained popularity in recent years as part of the broader trend toward creative and nutritious casseroles and baked dishes.

Regional Variations

In the United States, sweet potatoes are most commonly associated with Southern cuisine, where they are often prepared in various formsfrom mashed and baked to fried and roasted. This particular recipe for "sweet potato boats" is a modern take on the traditional baked sweet potato, which is a popular side dish in many households, especially during the fall and winter months. The addition of bacon, apples, and Cheddar is more indicative of a contemporary twist, often found in American homes experimenting with different flavor combinations. In some regions, variations may include swapping the Cheddar for a different cheese or using other fruits like pears or cranberries for an added seasonal touch.

Difference from Similar Dishes

What sets Sweet Potato Boats with Bacon, Apples, and Cheddar apart from similar baked sweet potato dishes is the stuffing, which combines a savory mix of bacon and cheese with the crisp, sweet notes of apples. Unlike typical baked sweet potatoes, which are often served with marshmallows, brown sugar, or just butter, this dish balances the sweet potato's natural sweetness with a savory topping. The addition of bacon offers a smoky richness, while the Cheddar cheese creates a creamy, gooey finish that complements the crispness of the apple and the tender sweet potato flesh.

Where It's Typically Served

Sweet Potato Boats with Bacon, Apples, and Cheddar are commonly served as a side dish, particularly for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where sweet potatoes are a popular choice. It can also serve as a hearty vegetarian main course when prepared without bacon. The dish is ideal for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even as a comfort food dish during the cooler months. In addition to being a great side for roast meats like chicken or pork, it pairs beautifully with leafy greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sweet potatoes and bacon.

Interesting Facts

• The sweet potato is not actually related to the potato. Despite their similar names, they are from different plant families, with sweet potatoes belonging to the morning glory family.
• Sweet potatoes are incredibly nutritious, rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), which is important for eye health and immune function.
• In the United States, sweet potatoes are often confused with yams, but they are two distinct plants. Yams are starchier and drier, while sweet potatoes are sweeter and more moist.
• The combination of bacon, cheese, and apples is a nod to both savory and sweet culinary traditions, and it reflects the versatility of sweet potatoes as an ingredient that can complement a wide range of flavors.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Boats with Bacon, Apples, and Cheddar is a perfect example of modern American comfort food, balancing the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with rich, savory ingredients. Whether you're preparing it as a side dish or a standalone meal, its sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its delightful mix of flavors and textures. With its easy preparation and versatile flavor profile, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home.

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