Introduction
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon-Sesame Brittle is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and contemporary twists, offering an indulgent treat that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing the savory crunch you crave. This innovative dish combines the earthy sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a crispy bacon-sesame brittle, making it a standout on any dinner table.
Tips for this recipe
For best results: ensure your sweet potatoes are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking; handle the sesame brittle mixture carefully as it hardens quickly once removed from heat, and consider adding a pinch of salt to both the bacon-sesame brittle and baked sweet potatoes for enhanced flavor depth.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe stands out due to its unique combination of textures and rich, complex flavors that balance sweetness with umami. The innovative use of miso in the filling adds a savory note, while the bacon-sesame brittle introduces an unexpected crunch. It’s a culinary adventure on a plate that is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite for you.
Ingredients
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2″-wide pieces
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
6 medium sweet potatoes (6-8 ounces each)
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons white miso (fermented soybean paste)
1 2/3″ piece ginger, peeled, finely grated (about 2 teaspoons)
2 scallions (dark-green parts only), thinly sliced lengthwise
Advised equipment
Stand Mixer: For efficient mixing of sweet potato filling and syrup.
Baking Sheet: Essential for baking the twice-baked sweet potatoes in the oven.
Oven: The primary appliance required to cook this dish thoroughly.
Food Processor (optional): Useful for preparing bacon bits, though a stand mixer could be used for mixing ingredients.
Mixing Bowls (various sizes): Helpful for assembling different components separately, such as sweet potato filling and sesame brittle syrup.
Spatula: Necessary for combining ingredients or transferring food during preparation.
Candy Thermometer: Ensures the sugar reaches the correct temperature when making the sesame brittle component.
Dutch Oven or Large Skillet (Nonstick): For cooking and baking sweet potatoes initially before final oven-baking on a baking sheet.
History of the recipe
The concept of combining sweet, savory elements like bacon with naturally sweet ingredients such as sweet potatoes is rooted in various cultural cuisines around the world. Incorporating miso into a sweet dish showcases innovation while paying homage to traditional Japanese flavors. This recipe marries those distinct culinary traditions, resulting in a modern take on classic comfort food that pays tribute to global cooking practices and ingredients.
Fun facts about this recipe
1. The use of miso paste is an inventive way to introduce umami into sweet dishes, traditionally known for enhancing savory flavors in Japanese cuisine.
2. Bacon-sesame brittle creates a surprising texture contrast that elevates the overall eating experience by combining crunchy elements with creamy baked potatoes.
3. While sweet potato and bacon may not be an immediate pairing for some, this recipe proves their compatibility in delightful ways, breaking culinary boundaries to create something truly unique.