If you’re looking to add a unique, flavorful twist to your Thanksgiving appetizer lineup, these Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes with Burrata & Sage Pesto are the perfect addition. This dish marries the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the salty, crispy goodness of bacon. Topping it all off is creamy burrata cheese and a bright, earthy sage pesto, bringing together flavors that will leave your guests impressed. Whether you’re looking for a modern holiday appetizer or a show-stopping dish for a dinner party, this combination of textures and flavors is bound to be a hit!

Ingredients:

For the Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick wedges
• 12 slices of bacon (thin or medium-cut)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sage Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh sage leaves
• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 small garlic clove
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 8 oz burrata cheese
• 2 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
• Fresh sage leaves or parsley for garnish

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare and Wrap the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap each sweet potato wedge with a slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers most of the surface. You can secure it with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out evenly to allow proper airflow.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Sage Pesto

1. In a food processor, combine the sage leaves, parsley, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Add the lemon juice, and season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to thin it out.
4. Transfer the pesto to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Burrata

1. Gently tear the burrata into pieces or break it open so the creamy inside is exposed. Set aside until ready to assemble the dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

1. Arrange the roasted bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes on a serving platter.
2. Add pieces of burrata cheese over the top of the sweet potatoes, letting the creamy insides ooze onto the dish.
3. Spoon generous dollops of sage pesto over the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes and burrata.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

1. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of honey for added sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of the bacon and pesto.
2. Garnish the platter with fresh sage leaves or parsley for an extra pop of color and aroma.
3. Serve immediately while the sweet potatoes are still warm, allowing the burrata to melt slightly over the top.

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Cooking Notes:

• For crispier bacon, you can partially pre-cook the bacon slices for about 5 minutes before wrapping them around the sweet potatoes. This ensures the bacon crisps up without overcooking the potatoes.
• If you prefer, you can substitute prosciutto for the bacon. It will cook faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Pesto variations: If you don’t have sage on hand, feel free to use other herbs like basil, cilantro, or a combination of greens like spinach and arugula for a different flavor profile.

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Serving Suggestions:

These Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes with Burrata & Sage Pesto are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of holiday dishes. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a Thanksgiving appetizer: Serve them alongside other finger foods or as part of a charcuterie spread.
• Pair with a light salad: A simple arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the sweet potatoes and burrata.
• For an elevated experience, serve this dish as an appetizer at a dinner party, paired with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.

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Tips:

• Balancing flavors: Don’t skip the honey drizzle! The sweet touch balances the salty bacon and earthy pesto, making the dish more dynamic.
• Pesto storage: If you have leftover sage pesto, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s also delicious on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
• Cutting the sweet potatoes: Ensure your sweet potato wedges are of even thickness so they cook evenly. Thicker wedges may require a slightly longer roasting time.
• Burrata alternative: If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or goat cheese can also be used. The creamy texture will still complement the dish well.

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Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 35 minutes

Total Time:

• 55 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 16g
• Sodium: 720mg

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Conclusion:

These Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes with Burrata & Sage Pesto are an indulgent, savory-sweet appetizer that’s perfect for any festive occasion, especially Thanksgiving. The combination of crispy bacon, tender sweet potatoes, creamy burrata, and herbaceous sage pesto creates a harmony of flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds. This dish is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it a standout on any holiday table. Serve this appetizer, and you’ll set the tone for a memorable meal!

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