If you are searching for a hearty and flavorful way to start your day, this Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with the smoky crunch of bacon, the creamy melt of sharp cheddar, and the rich satisfaction of a perfectly baked egg. This dish is not only visually inviting but also offers a comforting balance of textures and flavors that will make your mornings brighter and more delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly simple yet completely essential for creating the perfect harmony in your breakfast dish. Each component brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color, making the cooking process as enjoyable as the eating.
- 3 large sweet potatoes: The ideal base, sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet and tender vessel for the filling.
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potato.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps bind the filling together smoothly.
- ¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Introduces a creamy, sharp flavor that melts perfectly into the mix.
- 6 large eggs: They bake inside the potato, adding a velvety texture and satisfying protein punch.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle kick.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the savoriness.
- Scallion, minced (for topping): A fresh, green garnish that adds a mild onion note and vibrant color.
How to Make Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking, which ensures they cook evenly. Coat the potatoes lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with salt to heighten their natural sweetness. Bake them for 60 to 90 minutes until they become fork-tender and their skins achieve a lovely crispness. This slow roasting enhances the depth of flavor and soft texture that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 2: Hollow Out the Sweet Potatoes
Once baked, carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the interior flesh but keep the skin intact—it will act as your edible boat. Transfer the scooped-out potato into a large mixing bowl, being cautious not to tear the skins. These hollowed boats will soon be filled with an irresistible blend of goodness.
Step 3: Make the Filling
To the bowl of sweet potato flesh, add the crumbled bacon, unsalted butter, and shredded white cheddar cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly so the butter melts slightly and binds the ingredients while the cheese begins to soften. This filling is the heart of the dish, combining savory, creamy, and smoky elements that pair so well with the natural sweetness of the potato.
Step 4: Fill the Sweet Potato Boats
Place the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Spoon the flavorful mixture back into these shells, packing it in so each boat is generously filled. After filling, create a small well in the center of each boat to hold the egg perfectly. This careful step ensures the egg cooks evenly and stays nestled in place while baking.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Bake
Crack one large egg into each potato’s well, then season with salt and black pepper. Bake the loaded sweet potato boats for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the egg whites have set but the yolks remain just a bit soft, depending on your preference. The eggs bring the dish together, giving you a creamy, protein-packed topping that’s as delicious as it looks.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe from the oven and finish with a sprinkle of freshly minced scallions. The bright green scallions add a subtle freshness and a pop of color that makes this rustic dish look like a gourmet breakfast treat.
How to Serve Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond minced scallions, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an aromatic lift. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add a delightful kick, giving your sweet potato boats an exciting flavor twist that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
These breakfast boats are wonderfully filling on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving them with a light mixed greens salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some fresh fruit. The crispness and acidity balance the rich, cheesy, and smoky profile of the main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve these potato boats on a large wooden board with small bowls of different toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or salsa on the side. This allows everyone to customize their boat, making the Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe both interactive and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover sweet potato boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the egg intact to enjoy the full flavor experience when reheated.
Freezing
While this recipe freezes well, keep in mind the texture of the egg might slightly change. For freezing, assemble and bake the boats without the eggs, then add fresh eggs before reheating to maintain the perfect texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your stored sweet potato boats in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. If you’ve stored them with eggs, cover loosely with foil to avoid overcooking. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven method best preserves the textures.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To keep it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp white cheddar is recommended for its meltiness and flavor, but you can also try gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella depending on your taste preferences.
Can I prepare the sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can bake and hollow out the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store them separately from the filling and eggs to keep everything fresh for assembly and final baking.
How do I know when the egg is perfectly cooked?
Bake until the egg whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny if you prefer them soft; if you like firmer yolks, bake a few minutes longer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe naturally contains no gluten, making it a safe and delicious choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about starting the day with a Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavors that make breakfast feel like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to brighten your morning and keep you satisfied until lunch. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made these delightful breakfast boats sooner!
Print
Breakfast Sweet Potato Boat with Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Breakfast Sweet Potato recipe features baked sweet potatoes stuffed with a savory mixture of bacon, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and topped with an egg, baked until just set. Perfect for a hearty and nutritious breakfast or brunch, it combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of bacon and cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes, for baking
- Canola oil (for coating)
- Salt (for coating and seasoning; about ½ teaspoon for potatoes, plus ½ teaspoon for egg topping)
Filling
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Topping
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Minced scallion, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Use a fork to prick each sweet potato on all sides to create vents that allow steam to escape during baking, ensuring even cooking.
- Coat and bake sweet potatoes: Lightly coat each sweet potato with canola oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Slice sweet potatoes: Remove the baked sweet potatoes from the oven and carefully slice each one in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the flesh: Using a spoon, gently scoop out the center flesh of each potato half into a mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the skins, which will be used as shells for the filling.
- Prepare the potato shells: Arrange the hollowed-out sweet potato skins on a baking sheet to hold the filling later.
- Mix the filling: To the bowl with the scooped sweet potato flesh, add the cooked and crumbled bacon, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients until well combined to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Fill the potato shells: Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each of the hollowed-out sweet potato shells, distributing it well.
- Create wells for eggs: Make a small well or indentation in the center of each filled potato to hold an egg.
- Add eggs and bake: Crack one raw egg into each well, and season with salt and black pepper. Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking and the potatoes are warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and optionally top with minced scallion for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty breakfast sweet potatoes.
Notes
- For a quicker method, microwave the sweet potatoes until tender before scooping out the flesh.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian option, adding extra cheese or veggies.
- Adjust baking times based on the size of your sweet potatoes; larger ones may take longer to cook through.
- To ensure eggs cook thoroughly, keep an eye on the potatoes during the final baking step; cooking longer may be needed if eggs are runny.
- Green onions or chives can be used instead of scallions for topping.
