Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast recipe that tastes like a warm hug and still feels like a treat, you’re going to love this Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe. It’s the perfect combo of cozy and hearty — the sweet, tender potato pairs beautifully with savory bacon, melty cheese, and that perfectly baked egg right in the middle. I swear, once you try it, these little boats will become a staple weekend morning ritual in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together in a way that feels gourmet.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that complements the salty bacon and creamy eggs perfectly.
- Hands-Off Baking: Most of the cooking happens in the oven, giving you time to relax or prep other breakfast goodies.
- Customizable & Filling: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, plus it’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you energized all morning.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe combine to create the perfect texture and flavor balance. Choosing good-quality sweet potatoes and crisp bacon really elevates the dish, and I’ll share some tips to make your shopping and prep a breeze.
- Sweet potatoes: Look for large, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin—they’re easier to hollow out and hold the filling well.
- Bacon: Pick a thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and the perfect crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft potato.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level so the dish isn’t overly salty.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that savory, slightly tangy kick.
- Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are best here since they cook inside the potato boats for a beautiful presentation and great taste.
- Black pepper and salt: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- Scallion (optional): Adds a fresh, green note at the end that brightens every bite.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about making Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to make variations that suit what you love or have on hand. I’ve played around with different cheeses, added veggies, even swapped bacon for turkey sausage when I wanted something lighter.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead—I’ve done this many times and it’s just as satisfying.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of smoked paprika or some sliced jalapeños to the filling for a little heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Dairy-free adaptation: Use a non-dairy butter and omit the cheese or try a plant-based shredded cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Make it a full meal: I sometimes add diced bell peppers or tomatoes into the filling for some extra color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Wash and dry those sweet potatoes, then use a fork to prick a few holes on each side—that lets steam escape, so they cook evenly without bursting. Rub the potatoes lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with salt for extra flavor and a nice skin texture. Pop them into the oven for 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork—soft and tender inside.
Step 2: Hollow Out the Sweet Potatoes
Once the potatoes have cooled a little (so you don’t burn your fingers!), carefully slice each one lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the soft center, leaving the skins intact—you want a sturdy boat. The scooped potato goes into a large mixing bowl; just be gentle so the skins don’t tear, because they hold the whole boat together in the oven.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
To that sweet potato flesh, add your cooked, crumbled bacon, butter, and shredded cheese. Stir it all up until beautifully combined—this filling is where all the cozy magic happens. I like to taste and adjust salt and pepper here since it’s easier to season now than after baking!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Breakfast Boats
Place the hollowed-out skins on a baking sheet, then stuff them with the filling. Use the back of your spoon to create a little well in the center of each boat—that’s where your egg will go. Crack a raw egg into each well, sprinkle on a bit of salt and pepper, then bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the egg whites set but the yolks still a little soft if you like that runny texture. If you’re unsure, just keep an eye on them since oven times can vary.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
The final touch? Sprinkle minced scallions over the boats for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Now, grab a fork and dig in—you’re rewarded with a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet breakfast that feels like a celebration.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe
- Test Potato Doneness: Insert a fork into the sweet potato before scooping—if it slides through easily, your potato is perfectly baked.
- Crispy Bacon Bonus: Cook bacon in advance on a baking sheet in the oven—it’s less messy and crisps evenly.
- Egg Cooking Tip: If you want extra runny yolks, remove the boats when egg whites are set but yolks still jiggle slightly.
- Avoid Soggy Skins: Be careful scooping out the sweet potato so the skins stay thick enough to hold fillings without falling apart while baking.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with a sprinkle of fresh scallions—it adds that fresh, slightly oniony pop that complements all the rich flavors. Sometimes, I toss on a tiny bit of fresh parsley or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra color and warmth. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado if you want something creamier.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I love pairing these boats with a crisp green salad or a simple fruit bowl. Seasonal berries or citrus slices bring a refreshing contrast to the savory richness. And hey, a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice is basically a must-have on the side!
Creative Ways to Present
For special breakfasts or brunch gatherings, I like arranging the sweet potato boats on a rustic wooden board with colorful bowls of extra toppings—think sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, avocado chunks, or a drizzle of hot sauce. It’s fun for guests to customize their own. Another time, I served them with microgreens sprinkled on top and a side of roasted cherry tomatoes for a bright, elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare, honestly), I store the boats in airtight containers in the fridge. The bacon and egg flavors hold up really well, and the sweet potato reheats nicely when you’re craving a quick, cozy breakfast later.
Freezing
I have frozen these before, but I recommend freezing the sweet potato boats without the egg, then adding fresh eggs when you’re ready to bake. The texture stays better that way. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then add your egg and bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, I wrap the boats in foil and warm them up in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. If you’re reheating leftovers with eggs already baked in, watch closely so you don’t overcook the yolk.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While you can substitute regular potatoes, sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness and softer texture that balances beautifully with the savory eggs and bacon. Regular potatoes tend to be firmer and less sweet, so the overall flavor profile will be different, but it’s still a tasty option if you prefer.
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What’s the best way to know when the eggs in the sweet potato boats are fully cooked?
Look for egg whites that are set and opaque but yolks that still have a slight jiggle if you like them runny. Baking for 15 to 20 minutes usually hits that sweet spot. If you prefer fully cooked yolks, just bake a bit longer and keep an eye on them.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the baked sweet potato shells and filling a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble with fresh eggs and bake just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
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How do I prevent the sweet potato skins from breaking apart?
Be gentle when scooping out the insides, leaving about a ¼ inch thickness of potato attached to the skin. This gives the boat enough structure to hold your filling without collapsing during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to start the weekend mornings. It feels like a little homemade celebration every time I pull these beauties out of the oven. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is so satisfying and comforting that it’s sure to become a go-to. Give it a try—you might even find yourself making it on a random Tuesday morning just because you deserve something delicious and special.
Print
Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Eggs and Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Breakfast Sweet Potato recipe offers a hearty and flavorful start to your day, combining baked sweet potatoes filled with a savory mix of bacon, butter, cheddar cheese, and eggs, topped with fresh scallions for a delicious and satisfying breakfast option.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes and Filling
- 3 large sweet potatoes, for baking
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Egg Topping and Seasoning
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- scallion, minced (for topping)
- canola oil (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Using a fork, prick each sweet potato several times on all sides to create vents for heat to escape during baking.
- Coat and Bake Potatoes: Coat each potato evenly with canola oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them on a baking tray and bake for 90 minutes until they are fork-tender.
- Scoop Potato Flesh: Once baked, carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the center flesh into a mixing bowl, taking care not to tear the skins.
- Prepare Filling: To the bowl with sweet potato flesh, add cooked crumbled bacon, unsalted butter, and shredded white cheddar cheese, then mix until well combined.
- Fill Potato Skins: Place the hollowed-out potato skins on a baking sheet and fill each with the prepared potato mixture, shaping it to create a well in the center.
- Add Eggs and Seasoning: Crack one raw egg into the well on each filled potato half. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the eggs.
- Bake Again: Bake the filled potatoes for an additional 20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the filling is warmed through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and top each potato with minced scallion before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are well pierced to prevent bursting during baking.
- Use cooked bacon to avoid excess grease in the filling.
- If preferred, substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed vegetables to the filling.
- Monitor the eggs carefully while baking to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Use a sharp spoon to scoop out the sweet potato flesh gently to keep the skins intact.
- Allow potatoes to rest briefly after baking to cool slightly for easier handling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
