Fall is here, and it’s time for cozy meals. Sweet potatoes are a great choice for this season. They’re tasty, healthy, and easy to cook. So with that in mind, here’s my must-try recipe for roasted sweet potatoes.
It’s simple and quick to make. You’ll love how the natural sweetness comes out when they’re roasted.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. That’s what you get with this method. You can cut them into cubes or wedges, whatever you like best.
All you need is some olive oil and a few spices. Sea salt and garlic powder work well. For a kick, try adding chili powder too.
These roasted sweet potatoes make a perfect side dish. They go great with many meals. You can even use them in tacos or with black beans.
Ready to learn how to make them? Let’s get started with this delicious sweet potato recipe. It might become your new fall favorite!
Why Roasted Sweet Potatoes Are a Fall Favorite
Sweet potatoes are perfect for fall. They’re warm, cozy, and full of flavor. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
Crispy roasted sweet potatoes are easy to make. You can use olive oil and sea salt for a simple recipe. Or try adding brown sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
They’re a great side dish for many meals. You can even use them in sweet potato tacos or casseroles. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a healthy choice.
Versatile Uses for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are super flexible. They’re not just a perfect side dish. You can use them in many ways.
Try adding them to tacos with black beans. Or mix them into a salad for extra flavor. Mash them up for a twist on regular mashed potatoes.
You can even use them in sweet dishes. Try them in a pie or with maple syrup. Leftover roasted sweet potatoes? Store them in an airtight container. They’re great cold or reheated the next day.
Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same Things?
Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused. But they’re not the same thing. Real yams are rarely found in U.S. grocery stores.
What we call “yams” are usually just sweet potatoes. They come in different colors and shapes. Some have orange flesh, others are white or purple inside.
All types work well in sweet potato recipes. They’re great for roasting, whether as halves or cut into cubes. Both cook the same way and have similar nutrients.
So don’t worry if your store labels them as yams. For this recipe, pick whichever looks good to you. They’ll all make a delicious, easy side dish.
Ingredients Overview for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
When picking sweet potatoes, look for firm ones with smooth skins. Avoid any with soft spots or sprouts. Most grocery stores have them year-round.
Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best for roasting. They’re easier to cut into even cubes or wedges. This helps them cook evenly.
The color can vary from orange to purple. All types work well for this recipe. Fresh is best, but you can use stored ones too. Just make sure they’re not too old.
Remember, the skins are edible and full of nutrients. Leaving them on adds flavor and texture to your roasted sweet potatoes.
Essential Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, and Oil
Salt and pepper are key for tasty sweet potatoes. They bring out the natural flavors. Use sea salt if you can, but regular table salt works too.
Olive oil is great for roasting. It helps the sweet potato cubes get crispy. You can use other oils like avocado or coconut if you prefer.
These basic ingredients make savory sweet potatoes. They’re perfect for your first time trying this recipe. You can add more spices later if you want.
Remember, a little oil goes a long way. Too much can make your sweet potato wedges soggy instead of crispy.
Preparation Steps for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
How to Properly Cut Sweet Potatoes
First, wash your sweet potatoes well. The skins are full of nutrients, so you can leave them on. Pat them dry with a towel.
For cubed sweet potatoes, cut them in half lengthwise. Then, slice each half into long strips. Finally, cut across the strips to make cubes.
If you prefer wedges, cut the potato in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into 3-4 long pieces. This works great for sweet potato fries too.
Remember to keep the pieces about the same size. This helps them cook evenly in the oven.
Peeling vs. Leaving the Skin On
Deciding to peel or not is up to you. Sweet potato skins are packed with nutrients. They add fiber and a nice texture to your roasted sweet potatoes.
If you leave the skin on, just scrub them well. For peeling, use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Peeled sweet potatoes are smoother and work well in casseroles.
With skin on, your sweet potato wedges will be crispier. Without skin, the cubed sweet potatoes get a bit softer. Both ways taste great and are easy to make.
Try both and see which you like best. You might find a new favorite way to enjoy this versatile veggie.
Tossing with Oil and Seasonings
After cutting, put your sweet potato cubes or wedges in a big bowl. Add a bit of oil. Olive oil works great for this recipe.
Now, sprinkle in your chosen seasonings. Salt and pepper are must-haves. For savory sweet potatoes, try garlic powder or paprika. If you like them sweet, add a touch of brown sugar.
Use your hands to toss everything together. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. This helps the sweet potatoes get crispy all over when they bake.
Don’t overdo the oil. A little goes a long way for perfect roasted sweet potatoes.
Cooking Instructions for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Optimal Temperature and Cooking Time
For perfect roasted sweet potatoes, set your oven to 425°F. This high heat helps them get crispy outside and soft inside.
Spread your seasoned sweet potato cubes or wedges on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single, even layer. This lets them cook evenly.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Smaller cubes cook faster than big wedges. Check them after 20 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
For extra crispiness, flip them halfway through cooking. This helps all sides get that delicious roasted flavor.
Tips for Even Roasting and Caramelization
To get evenly roasted sweet potatoes, space them out on the baking sheet. Don’t let the cubes or wedges touch each other. This helps hot air circulate around them.
Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking. Use a spatula to turn them over. This ensures all sides get crispy and caramelized.
If you’re making sweet potato fries, cut them into thin, even strips. Thinner pieces get crispier. For a casserole, larger chunks work better.
Remember, sweet potatoes have natural sugars. These will caramelize as they roast, giving a delicious flavor. Watch closely to avoid burning.
How to Achieve Crispy Edges
Crispy edges make roasted sweet potatoes extra tasty. To get them, start with dry sweet potato cubes or wedges. Pat them with a paper towel before seasoning.
Use a metal baking sheet instead of glass. Metal conducts heat better, making crispier edges. Spread the pieces in a single, even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
For super crispy sweet potato fries, soak them in cold water first. This removes extra starch. Dry them well before roasting.
If they’re not crispy enough, broil for a few minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Pairing with Main Dishes
Roasted sweet potatoes go well with many main dishes. They’re great with chicken, pork, or beef. Try them with grilled fish for a lighter meal.
For vegetarians, pair them with beans or lentils. They’re also good in buddha bowls. Roasted sweet potato halves make an easy side for almost any meal.
These versatile veggies fit many diets. They’re full of nutrients and taste great at room temperature too. Leftovers are good cold or reheated.
Try them instead of regular potatoes. They’re a healthier option with more flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make any night of the week.
Using in Salads, Bowls, or Tacos
Roasted sweet potatoes are great in many dishes. Try adding them to salads for a warm twist. They’re good hot or at room temperature.
In bowls, mix them with grains and veggies. Top with a drizzle of oil or sour cream. For tacos, stuff sweet potato halves with beans and cheese.
Leftover roasted sweet potatoes work well too. Store them in the fridge and reheat later. Or eat them cold in a quick lunch bowl.
These versatile veggies add color and nutrients to any meal. They’re an easy way to make your plate healthier and tastier.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Storing Leftover Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Leftover roasted sweet potatoes are easy to store. Let them cool to room temperature first. Then put them in an airtight container.
They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can eat them cold or reheat them. To reheat, use the oven or microwave.
For longer storage, freeze them. Spread cooled pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Frozen sweet potatoes last up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. They might be a bit softer, but still tasty.
Best Practices for Reheating
To reheat roasted sweet potatoes, you have a few options. The oven is best for keeping them crispy. Set it to 400°F and warm them for 5-10 minutes.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. They might be softer this way, but still tasty.
If you’re reheating sweet potato halves, cut side down on a baking sheet works well. Add a drizzle of oil to help crisp them up again.
For cold leftovers, try them in a salad. They’re good at room temperature too. It’s all about personal preference.
Recipe Variations for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Adding Spices for a Kick (Cumin, Chili Powder)
Want to spice up your roasted sweet potatoes? Try adding some kick. Cumin and chili powder are great options.
Mix these spices with oil before coating your sweet potato cubes. Start with a little, then add more to taste. You can always sprinkle on extra at the halfway point of cooking.
For sweet potato halves, rub the cut side with spices before baking. This creates a flavorful crust. If it’s too spicy, serve with a dollop of sour cream to cool things down.
These spicy sweet potatoes make a zesty side dish. They’re perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
Sweet Variations: Brown Sugar, Honey and/or Maple Syrup
For a sweeter twist on roasted sweet potatoes, try brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. These add a rich, caramel-like flavor. They’re great for holiday meals or anytime you want a treat.
Sprinkle brown sugar on sweet potato halves before baking. Or drizzle maple syrup over cubes halfway through the cooking process. Be careful not to add too much, as it can burn.
For extra indulgence, add a pat of butter with the sugar. This creates a delicious glaze. Serve these sweet potatoes as a side or even a simple dessert.
Remember, sweet potatoes are already naturally sweet. A little extra sweetener goes a long way.
Herbed Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Rosemary, Thyme
Herbs add a fresh, earthy flavor to roasted sweet potatoes. Rosemary and thyme are great choices. They complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Mix chopped herbs with oil before tossing with sweet potato cubes. For halves, sprinkle herbs on the cut side before baking. Fresh herbs work best, but dried ones are good too.
Add herbs at the start of the cooking process. This lets their flavors infuse the potatoes. You can also sprinkle more on after baking for extra punch.
These herbed sweet potatoes make an elegant side dish. They’re perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals.
Throw in Carrots
Carrots or other root vegetables naturally can be mixed in to your sweet potatoes as they tend to cook similarly.
Carrots make an especially good pairing since not only are they about the same density, but they have a similar natural sweetness as well.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air fryers are great for making crispy sweet potatoes. They cook faster than the oven and use less oil. This makes them a healthier option.
Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes or thin wedges. Toss them with a light drizzle of oil and your favorite seasonings. Spread them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps them cook evenly.
The result is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. They’re perfect for a quick and easy side dish. You can even make sweet potato fries this way.
Air fryer sweet potatoes reheat well too. Store leftovers in the fridge and crisp them up again in the air fryer. Just a few minutes at a lower temp will do the trick.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds or 3 large), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces or cubes
- Oil:
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- Olive oil spray (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (alternative to olive oil)
- Salt:
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt (use less if using table salt)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, lightly packed (optional)
Note: Ingredients are listed with options and alternatives to accommodate different recipe variations.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare baking sheets:
- Option 1: Lightly spray a large sheet pan with oil.
- Option 2: Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- Peel the sweet potatoes.
- Cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes or wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with:
- Olive oil or melted coconut oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary or Italian seasoning, brown sugar
- Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet(s). Ensure they’re not overlapping to prevent steaming.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes total, tossing every 10-15 minutes.
- Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, golden, and browned on the edges.
Notes:
- Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes after about 25 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cooking time may vary based on the size of your sweet potato pieces and your oven’s performance.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil for a final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
Roasted sweet potatoes are a perfect side dish for fall. This simple recipe brings out their natural sweetness. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing.
The only thing you need is some olive oil and spices. Garlic powder and chili powder add a savory flavor. You can also use brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.
Cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or wedges. Spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan. This helps them get crispy and golden brown.
The air fryer is another great way to cook them. It gives a faster cook time and extra crispiness. Either way, you’ll love the results.
These roasted sweet potatoes go well with many meals. Try them in tacos or with black beans. They’re also good on their own as a snack.
With this recipe, you’ll have a new fall favorite. It’s a tasty and healthy choice that’s sure to please everyone.
Check Out All My Holiday Recipes
Amazing Thanksgiving Stuffing
Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Simple Roasted Zucchini and Parmesan
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
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