Crispy Sweet Potato Home Fries Recipe for Breakfast or Brunch

Sweet Potato Home Fries are a delicious, versatile side dish. Cubed sweet potatoes get crispy in bacon drippings, then are tossed with salty bacon, green onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — they pair well with eggs, sausage, meatloaf, or roasted chicken, or enjoy them on their own.

I first spotted this simple skillet recipe when I was craving sweet potatoes. It’s inspired by a Food Network Canada listing and uses just a few ingredients: bacon, sweet potatoes, and green onions. Cooking the potatoes in the bacon fat gives them a rich, savory flavor.

This version skips onions and peppers for a cleaner, more focused flavor, but you can add them if you like. Sweet potatoes also add nutritional benefits compared to white potatoes, making this an appealing choice whether you want something hearty or a lighter side.

Sweet Potato Home Fries

If you enjoy classic home fries, you’ll love this sweet potato take. The cubes develop a tender interior and a nicely browned exterior when cooked properly. The dish is naturally savory rather than sweet — unlike candied casseroles topped with marshmallows — so it works well alongside savory main dishes.

Are Sweet Potato Home Fries Sweet in Flavor?

Despite the name, these home fries are mainly savory. The sweet potato’s natural sweetness is subtle and balanced by the bacon and seasoning, so the result is a flavorful, savory side rather than a dessert-like dish. If you haven’t tried a savory sweet potato recipe, this is an easy, delicious introduction.

More Sweet Potato Ideas

• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

To Peel or Not to Peel?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, and they crispen nicely when cooked. If you prefer a smoother bite, peel the sweet potatoes before dicing.

How to Serve

These home fries are adaptable. Popular serving ideas include:

• With eggs (over-easy, scrambled) and additional bacon or sausage for breakfast.
• As a side for meatloaf or roasted chicken.
• As a light, meatless lunch on their own or with a simple salad.

How to Make Sweet Potato Home Fries

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings in the pan.

2. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Brown them on all sides, stirring occasionally, until they are tender — about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the cubes.

3. Return the chopped bacon to the pan, add thinly sliced green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Can I Add Onions and Peppers?

Yes. If you want a heartier, more colorful hash, add diced onions and bell peppers about five minutes after the sweet potatoes start cooking so they have time to soften without becoming mushy.

Tip for Even Cooking

Try to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Mixed sizes can lead to some pieces overcooking while others remain underdone.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. They may lose some crispness when chilled.

Best Way to Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispiness, or use the microwave for a quicker, softer result.

An Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Side

This recipe is simple, fast, and well-loved by families. It’s great for brunch, weeknight dinners, or summer cookouts. The smoky bacon and tender sweet potatoes make an appealing combination that’s easy to scale for more servings.

Have you tried savory Sweet Potato Home Fries before?