The Ultimate Sweet Potato Hash: A Versatile Stovetop Delight
Discover the perfect Sweet Potato Hash – a vibrant blend of tender sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, savory onions, and sweet red peppers. This easy stovetop dish effortlessly transitions from a hearty side to a complete breakfast when topped with a fried egg. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
There’s something truly satisfying about a well-made potato dish, and sweet potatoes have certainly earned their top spot in my culinary affections. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them a delightful base for countless recipes. If you share my love for fantastic side dishes, you might also enjoy these Baked Potato Wedges, crispy Hash Brown Waffles, or soft Sweet Potato Biscuits.
Why This Sweet Potato Hash Will Be Your New Favorite
You know you’ve reached a certain point in life when pure joy comes from a skillet bursting with beautifully cooked sweet potatoes. Especially when those golden cubes are generously mingled with savory, crispy bacon. This Sweet Potato Hash isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Sweet potatoes were once on my “do not eat” list as a child, but as I’ve grown, they’ve become an absolute culinary obsession. This hash perfectly showcases their delicious potential, transforming them into a hearty, satisfying dish that works for any meal. Its incredible versatility makes it a standout: serve it as a vibrant side to your favorite dinner, or elevate it into a complete, savory breakfast by simply adding a perfectly fried or poached egg on top. The way the runny yolk breaks and mixes with the hash is pure culinary magic.
Beyond its incredible taste, this sweet potato hash is surprisingly easy to make. Using just one skillet, you’ll create a dish that’s both comforting and packed with wholesome ingredients. The simplicity of the preparation, combined with the rich flavors, means you’ll be happy every single time this sweet potato hash is placed in front of you.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Hash
Crafting the perfect sweet potato hash starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible.
- Bacon: The foundation of flavor for this hash. You can opt for a thick-cut bacon for heartier pieces or traditional bacon for a crispier texture. The key is to render it until crisp and then use a portion of its flavorful grease to sauté the vegetables and sweet potatoes. This bacon fat imparts an incredible depth of savory flavor that cannot be replicated.
- Onion: Approximately one medium onion, diced to yield about 1 1/2 cups, provides a pungent aromatic base that mellows and sweetens as it cooks. It adds an essential savory note that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Red Bell Pepper: I personally prefer red bell peppers for their vibrant color and naturally sweeter profile compared to green bell peppers. However, feel free to use any color bell pepper you have on hand or prefer. Yellow or orange bell peppers would also be excellent choices, adding a touch of sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- Salt & Pepper: Proper seasoning is paramount for any dish to truly shine. I recommend seasoning when you add the vegetables to the skillet, allowing the flavors to develop together. Always taste your hash at the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. A final pinch of salt can really bring out all the individual flavors.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! I typically use the common orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for their sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. However, white sweet potatoes, which tend to be a bit less sweet and more starchy, will also work wonderfully if that’s what you have available or prefer. Ensure they are peeled and cut into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Thyme: A subtle yet impactful herb that adds an earthy, aromatic finishing touch. Dried thyme works perfectly, but if you have fresh thyme sprigs on hand, feel free to use them for an even brighter flavor. Add it at the end to preserve its delicate notes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Hash: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious sweet potato hash is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
- Cook the Bacon: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced bacon and cook until it’s wonderfully crisp and has rendered most of its fat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Set aside.
- Prepare the Skillet: Carefully pour out all but about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease from the skillet. This flavorful fat will be the base for cooking your vegetables and potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions, bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the hot skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant. The onions should be translucent and the bell peppers tender-crisp.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Introduce the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring well to combine them with the sautéed vegetables and bacon grease. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook for 10 minutes. During this time, the lid will trap steam, helping the potatoes to soften evenly. About 5 minutes into the cooking time, remove the lid briefly to stir the potatoes, ensuring they cook uniformly and don’t stick, then replace the lid.
- Brown to Perfection: After the initial 10 minutes of covered cooking, remove the lid entirely. Continue to cook the sweet potatoes, stirring occasionally, for another 5-10 minutes. During this stage, any remaining liquid will evaporate, and the sweet potatoes will begin to caramelize and brown beautifully, developing a delicious crust. This browning is crucial for flavor and texture.
- Finish and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and nicely browned, stir in the reserved crispy bacon and the dried thyme. Mix everything together thoroughly. Taste the hash and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Sweet Potato Hash Perfection
Achieving the best sweet potato hash involves a few simple tricks that can elevate your dish from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Embrace Your Cast Iron Skillet: I highly recommend using a cast iron skillet for this recipe. Not only is it exceptional at maintaining consistent heat, which is vital for even cooking, but it also creates that desirable crispy, browned exterior on your sweet potatoes. The even heat distribution prevents hot spots and ensures every piece of potato gets beautifully cooked.
- Lid is Key: You will absolutely need a lid for your skillet. The initial covered cooking period is essential for steaming the sweet potatoes, ensuring they become tender throughout before you start browning them. If you don’t have a lid that perfectly fits your skillet, a baking sheet placed securely over the top can work as a temporary solution. Just remember to use oven mitts or pot holders when removing it, as it will get very hot.
- Leftovers Are Delicious: This sweet potato hash makes fantastic leftovers! While the potatoes might soften slightly more upon storage, the flavors meld beautifully. Store any remaining hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Uniform Cuts Matter: Take the time to peel and cut your sweet potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Uniformly sized pieces ensure that all the potatoes cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others turn to mush. Consistency is key for a great hash texture.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Once the lid is off, allow the potatoes sufficient time to brown. This process develops a deeper, more complex flavor and a desirable crispy texture. Resist the urge to constantly stir; let the potatoes sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs to encourage that golden-brown crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sweet Potato Hash
Both! For many years, I only enjoyed this as a dynamic side dish, perfect alongside a roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork tenderloin. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses. More recently, I discovered just how incredible it is as a savory breakfast. Simply top a generous serving with a perfectly fried, poached, or scrambled egg, and perhaps some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream. The runny yolk mingling with the sweet and savory hash is an absolute dream. It truly is perfect both ways, offering amazing versatility!
Absolutely! This recipe serves as a fantastic base, encouraging you to customize it according to your preferences and what you have on hand. Instead of, or in addition to, the thyme, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder for enhanced savory notes. For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper will certainly wake up your taste buds. Cumin adds an earthy, slightly smoky flavor, while a hint of dried rosemary can complement the sweet potatoes beautifully. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
The term “hash” actually originates from the French word “hacher,” which means “to chop.” Historically, hash dishes were created as a clever and delicious way to use up leftovers, chopping various cooked ingredients together and frying them. This tradition continues, making hash a beloved comfort food around the world, perfect for transforming simple ingredients into something special.
You absolutely can! While bacon adds a significant layer of smoky, savory flavor, it’s easy to adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the bacon entirely. To replace the bacon grease, swap it out for a good quality olive oil, avocado oil, or even coconut oil. To compensate for the lost bacon flavor, you might want to add extra spices like smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke (if you’re comfortable with it) to replicate some of that depth. You could also bolster the dish with additional vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers of different colors, or even some spinach wilted in at the end. For a plant-based protein boost, consider stirring in black beans or chickpeas.
Explore More Sweet Potato Delights
If you’ve enjoyed this sweet potato hash, you’ll love these other beloved sweet potato recipes:
- The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Tots with Creamy Ketchup
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar and Canadian Bacon
- Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon
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Sweet Potato Hash
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 side dish servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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The perfect Sweet Potato Hash – sweet potatoes are combined with bacon, onions and sweet red peppers in this easy stovetop side dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
- 1 1/2 cups diced onion
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. Return the pan to medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through the cook time. After 10 minutes, remove the cover and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring as needed, allowing any remaining liquid to evaporate and for the potatoes to lightly brown.
- Stir in the thyme and the reserved bacon. Taste, and add more salt, if needed.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include any eggs.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/6 of recipe, Calories: 227kcal (11%), Carbohydrates: 30g (10%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 3g (19%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 17mg (6%), Sodium: 588mg (26%), Fiber: 5g (21%), Sugar: 15g (17%)
Keywords: sweet potato hash