Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into 0.25 to 0.5 inch rounds for even cooking.
Season the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with maple syrup, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are partially cooked but still flexible, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Rounds: On the prepared baking sheet, place a layer of sweet potato rounds, then wrap each round with a slice of the pre-cooked bacon. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the bacon is crispy, flipping the rounds halfway through for even cooking.
Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes of baking, returning to the oven until melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving. Enjoy your holiday masterpiece!