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

If you’re looking to elevate your holiday table or just craving a side dish that’s downright irresistible, then you’re going to adore this Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something a bit special. Creamy sweet potatoes get a boozy kick from bourbon, smoky crunch from bacon, and the nutty depth of brown butter – plus those crispy sage leaves add the perfect herbal crisp bite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making this fan-freaking-tastic recipe that’s surprisingly easy but wildly delicious!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Everything in this Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe plays a key role to create layers of flavor and texture. These ingredients are easy to find, but each adds something special that turns simple sweet potatoes into a showstopper side dish.

• Sweet potatoes: The creamy, naturally sweet base that soaks up all the flavors and whips up beautifully.
• Thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky richness and crispy texture; thick-cut is best so it doesn’t get lost in the mash.
• Sage leaves: Cooking these in butter crisps them up into an aromatic garnish that’s pure magic.
• Unsalted butter: For that silky smooth richness without extra salt competing with seasoning control.
• Milk: Helps loosen the potatoes and keep them luxuriously whipped.
• Brown butter: Toasted butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth you never knew sweet potatoes needed.
• Bourbon: Just a splash to add warmth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together perfectly.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe is one of those dishes where you can easily make it your own depending on what you love or what you have on hand.

• Variation: I sometimes swap bourbon for maple syrup for a non-alcoholic but equally delicious sweetness that kids and adults alike enjoy.
• Dietary modification: Use dairy-free butter and unsweetened almond milk to make it vegan-friendly (just omit bacon, or sub with smoked tempeh bits).
• Seasonal twist: In fall, I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy spice note that pairs exceptionally well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe

Step 1: Boil those sweet potatoes until tender

Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into roughly 1 1/2-inch chunks. I always make sure they’re about the same size so they cook evenly. Pop them into a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 20 to 30 minutes until you can easily pierce the chunks with a fork. Soft but not mushy is the goal here.

Step 2: Cook bacon and render that golden fat

While the potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-low. Add chopped thick-cut bacon—you want to cook this slowly so the fat renders out and the bacon crisps nicely without burning. I like to cook it about 3/4 done on the stovetop, then finish it in a warm oven for even crispness without overcooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to paper towels to drain, then save about a tablespoon of that luscious bacon fat in a small bowl—that’s flavor gold!

Step 3: Make browned butter and crispy sage

Using the bacon-fat-lined skillet, add unsalted butter and melt over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (watch it closely—brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds). Then drop in sage leaves and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they crisp up beautifully. Drain on paper towels and savor that amazing aroma—it’s the magic touch!

Step 4: Whip it good – assembling the potatoes

Drain your sweet potatoes well, then mash with a fork or potato masher. I prefer using an electric hand mixer to whip them into a fluffy cloud without turning gluey—beat them just enough to get silky. Add in your reserved bacon fat, milk, bourbon, and the brown butter. Whip again until everything’s incorporated and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here, it really brings this dish alive.

Step 5: Finish with bacon and crispy sage

If serving immediately, spread your whipped sweet potatoes in a warm dish, sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces, then crumble the fried sage leaves on top. If you want to make ahead or keep warm, pop the dish in a 325°F oven for 25–30 minutes after topping with bacon, then add the sage just before serving.

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

Garnishes

For garnishes, I stick with the crispy bacon and sage from the recipe—they add both color and crunch. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little toasted pecans or chopped chives on top for a fresh contrast. A tiny drizzle of maple syrup at serving time gives a subtle sweetness boost that’s totally dreamy.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or glazed ham for a festive spread. I also love it alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp arugula salad to cut through the richness. For a simpler meal, it’s great with pan-seared chicken breasts and steamed broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this in individual ramekins, layering the whipped sweet potatoes, then topping with bacon and sage for a beautiful mini casserole effect. If you’re hosting, try piping the potatoes into swirls with a spatula for a restaurant-worthy presentation that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When storing, I hold off on adding crispy sage on top—reserve that for reheating so it stays crunchy and fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sweet potatoes successfully by placing them in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly. They keep up to 3 months. Just remember, crispy bacon and sage lose their texture when frozen, so add fresh bacon and sage after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the potatoes gently in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Add freshly crisped bacon and sage after warming to maintain texture and that irresistible aroma.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Recipe is one of those dishes I happily make again and again because it never fails to wow. It’s hearty but fancy, familiar but a little unexpected—all the things I want in a side dish that brings people together. If you give it a try, I promise you’ll love the layers of flavor and the perfect balance of creamy and crispy. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously cozy dish—you deserve it!

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