Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

By kscribner

Prep Time: 25 Min
Total Time: 1 Hr 45 Min
Makes: 10 servings (1/2 cup each)

Ingredients

• 3 lb dark-orange sweet potatoes (about 4 potatoes)
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 large onion, chopped (3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup half-and-half, warmed
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Fresh thyme sprigs, if desired

Preparation

Step 1

1 Heat oven to 350°F. Pierce sweet potatoes all over with fork; place on cookie sheet with sides. Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with fork. Let stand 15 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

2 Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until brown. Remove bacon from skillet; place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet; discard remaining drippings. Add onion to skillet; cook over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

3 Peel sweet potatoes; place in large bowl. Mash until no lumps remain. Add warm half-and-half, thyme, salt and pepper; mash until very smooth.

4 Add onion to sweet potatoes. Crumble bacon; reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish. Add remaining bacon to potatoes; stir until blended. Garnish with reserved bacon and thyme sprigs.