Pan-Seared Sweet Potato Hash with Crispy Bacon and Onion

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp-tender sweet potatoes caramelized with smoky bacon and aromatic onions, perfect for a nourishing morning meal. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 40 minutes combines sweet potatoes, bacon, yellow onion into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cold cast-iron skillet, add 4 slices sugar-free bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups diced sweet potatoes to the skillet with bacon fat, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and tender, adding 1/4 cup water if the pan gets too dry.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook for 5-7 minutes until onion is translucent and sweet potatoes are crispy around the edges. Stir in the 4 slices of cooked bacon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sweet Potato Hash with Crispy Bacon and Onion take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Sweet Potato Hash with Crispy Bacon and Onion?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sweet Potato Hash with Crispy Bacon and Onion?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Sweet Potato Hash with Crispy Bacon and Onion for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Sweet Potato Hash with Crispy Bacon and Onion?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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