Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that’s cozy, a little bit fancy, and downright addictive, then you’ve got to try this Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe. I absolutely love how the smoky bacon and warm bourbon flavor meld perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the potatoes, all topped off with that irresistible crispy sage. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want it at every holiday dinner and weeknight meal alike!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in creating this luxurious side dish. I always recommend choosing fresh and quality basics—you can really taste the difference, especially with the bacon and sage.

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, plump sweet potatoes with smooth skin to get that creamy texture inside once cooked.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick slices give you meaty bites and render just the right amount of fat for flavoring the potatoes.
• Sage Leaves: Fresh sage crisps up beautifully, adding an aromatic punch that balances the richness perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Unsalted allows you to control the saltiness, keeping flavors balanced in the finished dish.
• Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer.
• Brown Butter: This ingredient is a game-changer, imparting nutty warmth you probably didn’t expect in sweet potatoes.
• Bourbon: Just a splash adds subtle sweetness and complexity that lifts the whole dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together, so don’t skip or skimp here.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to get creative! You’ll find that customizing it makes the dish even more special and tailored to your taste.

• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and swap the bacon fat for extra brown butter or olive oil—I’ve done this when guests don’t eat meat, and it still sings with flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the potatoes while whipping for a subtle heat that’s unexpected but delicious.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and a dairy-free butter for the brown butter step; the bourbon and sage flavors still shine through beautifully.
• Herb Swaps: Try crispy thyme or rosemary instead of sage if you want to experiment with different herb profiles.

How to Make Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes to Tender Perfection

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into roughly 1 1/2-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Pop them into a large pot and cover with cold water—this helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until fork tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the softer the potatoes, the silkier your whipped result will be.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Render That Flavorful Fat

While the potatoes are steaming away, chop your thick-cut bacon and place it in a large skillet over medium-low heat. You’ve got two ways to get the bacon just right: either cook it fully crisp in the pan or cook mostly through, then transfer to the oven to finish crisping without burning. I usually go for the pan method because I like watching and tossing the bacon until it’s perfectly golden. Once ready, scoop out the bacon onto paper towels to drain the excess grease, then carefully remove about a tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet and set aside—it’s liquid gold for your potatoes!

Step 3: Make Those Sage Leaves Crispy and Aromatic

Using that same skillet, add your unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and warm, add the fresh sage leaves. Cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until they transform into crisp, fragrant little chips. This step is quick, so stay attentive—you want pretty golden edges but no burning. Use a slotted spoon to remove the leaves and drain on paper towels. These will be your beautiful garnish and aromatic highlight.

Step 4: Whip the Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon, Bacon Fat, and Brown Butter

Drain your tender sweet potatoes well to avoid sogginess, then return them to the pot. Start mashing with a fork or potato masher, then bring in a whisk or hand mixer to whip up a fluffy texture. Here’s the magic moment: add the reserved bacon fat, milk, bourbon, and warm brown butter. Whip everything together until the mixture looks luscious and smooth. Taste and then season with salt and pepper, adding more if you want a punchier flavor. I usually start light and adjust—it’s easier to add than take away.

Step 5: Serve with Crispy Bacon and Crumbled Sage

If you’re ready to eat right away, spread the whipped sweet potatoes into your serving dish and sprinkle generously with crispy bacon bites. Crumble the crispy sage leaves on top for that final pop of crispness and herbal aroma. If you’re prepping ahead or want to keep them warm, pop the dish in a 325°F oven for 25-30 minutes after topping with bacon, then add the sage after baking so it stays crisp.

How to Serve Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these sweet potatoes with extra crispy bacon pieces and the crumbled crispy sage leaves—those little bursts of saltiness and earthy crunch are everything. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper right at the end, just to make the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

This side pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a simple pan-seared pork chop. On busy weeknights, I’ll serve it alongside sautéed green beans or a bright arugula salad to balance the richness. It’s also fantastic with a lean protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve the potatoes in a rustic cast iron skillet with crispy sage scattered over the top and bacon bits piled high—everyone digs into the hot skillet right at the table. You could also pipe the whipped potatoes into pretty swirls on individual plates for a fancy touch. Adding tiny sage leaves whole as delicate garnishes can turn this humble side into a stunner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you go to reheat, they’ll still be creamy and delicious—it’s one of the few side dishes I don’t mind saving for later because the flavor actually deepens overnight.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable with this recipe. I cool the potatoes completely, then freeze in portioned freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and warm them up, expect the texture to be a bit looser, but whipping again with a little extra milk or butter brings them right back. Keep crispy sage and bacon separate when freezing to maintain their crunch.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave leftovers but adding a splash of milk and stirring halfway through helps keep things creamy without drying out. Be sure to add fresh crispy sage and bacon after reheating to keep that perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites that never fails to impress. It’s the perfect side that brings comfort and a little bit of wow-factor all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, give this recipe a try—you’ll see why my whole crew goes crazy for it! Enjoy every creamy, crispy, boozy bite.

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