These BBQ Beef Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Combining the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ pulled beef with the subtle sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the creamy, refreshing zest of avocado cilantro cream, these bites are a flavor explosion in every mouthful. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with these BBQ Beef Sweet Potato Bites for several reasons:
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of smoky BBQ beef, sweet roasted sweet potato, and refreshing avocado cilantro cream creates a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate.
- Texture Contrast: The soft, tender sweet potatoes provide a delightful contrast to the succulent, slightly chewy pulled beef and the smooth, creamy avocado topping.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these bites in no time, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick snack.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, while avocado provides healthy fats and the beef delivers protein, making these bites a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile: Customize these bites to your liking by adding a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Curly’s BBQ Pulled Beef
- 3-4 small sweet potatoes
- Cooking spray or oil
- 1 large avocado
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup cilantro, plus some for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Cutting off the ends of the sweet potatoes allows for a more uniform slice.
Step 2: Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, carefully cut the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch slices. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking. Thicker slices may require longer cooking times, while thinner slices might burn easily.
Step 3: Prepare a cookie sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with a wire rack or parchment paper. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents them from steaming instead of roasting.
Step 4: Lightly spray the tops of the sweet potato rounds with cooking spray or drizzle them with oil. This helps them to caramelize and develop a slightly crispy exterior during roasting. Season with a pinch of salt for added flavor.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie sheet with the sweet potato slices in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Flip the slices and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the cooking process, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your oven.
Step 6: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before assembling the bites. This will prevent the avocado cream from melting and ensure the sweet potatoes are easy to handle.
Step 7: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, warm your Curly’s BBQ Pulled Beef according to the package directions. This will ensure the beef is heated through and ready to be spooned onto the sweet potato rounds.
Step 8: Prepare the avocado cilantro cream. Wash the avocado, carefully remove the pit and skin, and place the avocado flesh in a blender.
Step 9: Add the coconut milk (or sour cream or plain Greek yogurt), ¼ cup of cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to the blender. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture, while the cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Lime juice brightens the cream and adds a tangy kick.
Step 10: Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the cream is too thick, add a little more coconut milk or lime juice to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 11: Once the Curly’s BBQ Pulled Beef is hot and the sweet potato rounds have cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble the bites. Spoon about a teaspoon of the warm pulled beef onto each sweet potato round.
Step 12: Top the beef with a generous dollop of the avocado cilantro cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added visual appeal and flavor.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These BBQ Beef Sweet Potato Bites are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food. Serve them warm or at room temperature. They pair well with:
- A side of coleslaw
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- A refreshing salad
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado cilantro cream.
- If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked sweet potato slices.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per bite, approximate)
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These BBQ Beef Sweet Potato Bites with Avocado Cilantro Cream are a delectable and satisfying treat that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With their blend of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors, they are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you can technically use regular potatoes, the sweet potatoes provide a unique sweetness and nutritional value that complements the BBQ beef and avocado cilantro cream perfectly. Regular potatoes will have a different texture and flavor profile, so the overall result will be different.
Q2: Can I make the avocado cilantro cream ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the avocado cilantro cream ahead of time. However, avocado tends to brown when exposed to air, so it’s best to store the cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator and squeeze a little extra lime juice on top to help prevent oxidation. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days.
Q3: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find your favorite flavor combination. A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce would pair well with the sweet potatoes and avocado cream, while a spicy BBQ sauce would add a fiery kick.
Q4: Can I grill the sweet potato slices instead of baking them?
A: Yes, grilling the sweet potato slices is a great option, especially during the summer months. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly charred. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Q5: Can I add cheese to these bites?
A: Definitely! Adding a sprinkle of your favorite cheese can elevate these bites to the next level. Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled cotija cheese would all be delicious additions. Add the cheese after you’ve spooned the BBQ beef onto the sweet potato rounds.
