Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Sweet Potato Skins
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Pierce them with a fork several times and rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Cook Bacon: While the sweet potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Make Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Boil the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well.
- Assemble Sweet Potato Skins: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside. Fill each skin with mac ‘n’ cheese and top with crumbled bacon.
- Bake Again: Return the filled skins to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to add more cheese types for a richer flavor, or mix in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
This recipe combines the comfort of mac ‘n’ cheese with the sweetness of baked sweet potatoes, all enhanced with the savory crunch of bacon. It’s a surefire hit for any gathering or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
