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Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe

Hey there! If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s cozy, hearty, and completely crave-worthy, you’re in the right spot. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is super easy to make, plus it hits all the right notes — sweet and savory, creamy cheese and crispy bacon, all nestled inside a soft, baked sweet potato. Let me walk you through it so you can impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to sit at your table!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The sweet, soft baked sweet potato perfectly complements the salty, smoky bacon and creamy cheese.
  • One-Dish Breakfast: Everything bakes together, making a tidy and delicious breakfast with minimal cleanup.
  • Customization Friendly: You can easily swap proteins, cheeses, or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Satisfying & Nourishing: Packed with wholesome ingredients to keep you fueled and happy through the morning.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe plays an important role — blending textures, flavors, and nutrients for a meal that’s as delicious as it is pretty. When shopping, pick sweet potatoes that are uniform in size for even baking, and choose good quality bacon for that perfect smoky punch.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg, healthy breakfast ideas, easy breakfast recipes, savory sweet potato breakfast, brunch breakfast recipes - Flat lay of three large whole sweet potatoes with bright orange skin, a small pile of cooked and crumbled crispy bacon, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded white cheddar cheese, six whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl containing black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing salt, and a small bunch of fresh green scallions with some minced scallion pieces arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show — I prefer ones with smooth, unblemished skin so they bake evenly with a naturally sweet flavor.
  • Bacon: I always go for thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy, for that satisfying crunch and rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet potato.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients — using unsalted gives you more control over salt levels.
  • White Cheddar Cheese: Melts nicely and provides a sharp, tangy note that balances the sweetness.
  • Eggs: They turn this into a protein-packed meal and create that nice custardy texture when baked.
  • Black Pepper and Salt: Essential for seasoning, just enough to bring out all the flavors.
  • Scallions (optional): Add a fresh, oniony brightness that lightens the dish—and they look pretty too!
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe my own by swapping in different cheeses or tossing in some herbs. You can easily make it vegetarian or switch up the bacon for turkey bacon or even mushrooms for a twist. That’s the beauty of this recipe — it’s like a blank canvas inviting you to get creative.

  • Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made it with sautéed spinach and mushrooms instead of bacon, and it was just as amazing, especially topped with some crumbled feta!
  • Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile—each brings a unique twist.
  • Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes gives it a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy choice for anyone avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F because warm ovens make all the magic happen. Give your sweet potatoes a few good pokes all over with a fork—this helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting. Then rub them lightly with canola oil and a pinch of salt. This not only prevents drying but also crisps the skin slightly, a bonus texture. Pop them directly on a baking sheet and bake for 60 to 90 minutes until they’re fork-tender. The baking time depends on the size of your potatoes, so start checking around an hour.

Step 2: Hollow and Fill the Boats

Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle (but still warm!), slice each one in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the sweet potato flesh into a bowl, leaving the shell intact—this is key because you want a sturdy “boat” to hold your filling. Using a spoon, mix the sweet potato flesh with cooked, crispy bacon, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. I always taste the mix here and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 3: Bake Again with Eggs

Fill each potato shell with the mixture, mounding it slightly. Then, create a little nest in the center of each filled boat to crack an egg into. The egg adds richness and a silky texture when baked. Sprinkle salt and pepper over each one before placing them back into the oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the egg is just set but still creamy if you like it that way. Don’t overcook if you want runny yolks! When done, top with scallions for freshness and a pop of color.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Choose Sweet Potato Size Wisely: I pick medium to large potatoes that fit nicely on a baking sheet and create perfect portion sizes.
  • Don’t Overstuff: If you overload your potato skins, they might spill or break while baking — I usually keep the filling level just right for neat boats.
  • Keep an Eye on Eggs: Baking times can vary — check the eggs early to avoid rubbery whites or yolks that are too firm.
  • Use a Sharp Spoon: For scooping the sweet potato flesh, a sharp spoon helps you avoid tearing the skins, keeping your boats intact.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe

Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg, healthy breakfast ideas, easy breakfast recipes, savory sweet potato breakfast, brunch breakfast recipes - A white plate with multiple small rounds of mashed orange sweet potatoes forming the base layer, each topped with a poached egg layer that is white with a soft, creamy texture, centered with bright yellow yolks slightly runny. Small bits of cooked bacon and chopped green herbs are scattered on top, adding dark red and green colors. In the foreground, a black fork holds a bite showing these layers clearly: orange sweet potato, white egg, and yellow yolk speckled with black pepper. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these breakfast boats with minced scallions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I sprinkle a little smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce if I want some heat. Fresh chopped parsley or chives also work wonderfully—they brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

This recipe is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out your breakfast, a simple side salad or some sautéed greens make a nice light complement. I also enjoy serving it alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to add a cool contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these breakfast boats on a large sharing platter, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers to make the morning feel extra festive. You can even miniaturize the recipe using baby sweet potatoes for a fun brunch bite party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sweet potato breakfast boats, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or place them in airtight containers and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and moist for up to 3 days. I recommend refrigerating after baking fully with the egg, so the flavors meld nicely.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully assembled boats before, but be mindful that eggs can change texture slightly after freezing and thawing. To freeze, wrap each boat individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I set my oven to 350°F and warm the boats for about 15 minutes until heated through—this keeps the sweet potato skin slightly crisp and the egg from getting rubbery. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?

    You certainly can swap regular potatoes, but keep in mind they have a different texture and flavor profile. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and softness that pairs beautifully with bacon and egg, but russets or Yukon golds will give you a more neutral, starchy taste. Just adjust baking time for potato firmness.

  2. How do I know when the egg is perfectly cooked in the sweet potato boats?

    I like to check after about 15 minutes of baking. The egg whites should be set without wobbles, and the yolk can be soft or firm depending on preference. You can gently jiggle the pan—if the yolk moves slightly but the whites are firm, it’s perfect for runny yolks.

  3. Can I make these Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats ahead of time for a crowd?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and filling a day ahead, then assemble and bake with the eggs the morning of. This helps streamline your breakfast prep and still delivers fresh, delicious results.

  4. What can I use instead of bacon if I don’t eat pork?

    Turkey bacon, chicken sausage crumbles, or even smoky tempeh bacon make great alternatives that offer similar savory notes. I’ve swapped in mushrooms sautéed with smoked paprika for a vegetarian-friendly option that still adds depth.

  5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Yes! These breakfast boats store well in the fridge and reheat nicely, making them a perfect weekend batch-cook to grab and warm all week. Just bake the eggs the day you plan to eat for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe holds a special place in my morning routine because it’s simple yet feels like a treat every time. It’s the perfect blend of comforting home cooking and clever prep that you’ll be reaching for over and over. Whether you’re making it for yourself on a relaxing weekend or serving friends for brunch, it never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and tweaking this recipe as much as I do—trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a breakfast favorite in your kitchen too!

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Sweet Potato Breakfast Boats with Bacon and Egg Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • 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

A hearty and delicious breakfast featuring baked sweet potatoes stuffed with a savory mixture of bacon, butter, cheddar cheese, and topped with a perfectly baked egg and scallions.


Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, for baking

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
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Scallion, minced (for topping)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Using a fork, prick each sweet potato several times on all sides to allow steam to escape while baking.
  3. Coat and Bake Potatoes: Rub each sweet potato with canola oil and sprinkle with salt, then place them on a baking sheet and bake for 90 minutes until they are fork-tender.
  4. Slice Potatoes: Remove the baked sweet potatoes from the oven and carefully slice each one in half lengthwise.
  5. Hollow Sweet Potatoes: Using a spoon, gently scoop out the insides of the potatoes into a large mixing bowl, taking care not to tear the skins. Place the hollowed skins on a baking sheet.
  6. Mix Filling: Add the cooked crumbled bacon, unsalted butter, and shredded white cheddar cheese to the sweet potato flesh. Mix everything until well combined.
  7. Fill Potato Skins: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the hollowed-out sweet potato skins, creating a well in the center of each filled potato.
  8. Add Eggs and Seasoning: Crack one raw egg into the well of each stuffed potato. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Bake Filled Potatoes: Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are set and the filling is warmed through.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with minced scallions before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Notes

  • For a quicker meal, bake sweet potatoes the night before and store them in the refrigerator.
  • Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian alternative.
  • Substitute cheddar cheese with any preferred melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Canola oil can be swapped with olive oil for healthier fat options.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 185 mg

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