This Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe is all about celebrating the humble sweet potato in its most delightful form – roasted to perfection. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor. These vibrant sweet potatoes, seasoned with a perfect blend of spices and roasted until tender and golden, will undoubtedly become a star at your dining table. Whether you’re catering for a family weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these roasted sweet potatoes have a way of bringing a bit of culinary sunshine to your meal. Plus, they’re incredibly nutritious – a delicious way to nourish your body. So, let’s get started and make magic in the kitchen.
This is basic recipe is certainly adaptable for other spices or seasonings as per your taste. Cinnamon, cumin, or a sprinkle of brown sugar could add different flavor profiles to this dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (less if concerned about personal salt intake)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh herbs for garnish optional: rosemary, thyme, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. *
- Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss well, ensuring all the sweet potato cubes are coated with the seasoning.
- Transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out into a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly browned. Stir or flip the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- If desired, sprinkle the roasted sweet potatoes with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cut them small: The smaller you cut your sweet potato pieces, the larger surface area they will have. A larger surface area will help them to crisp up more in the oven.
- Spread them out: When you arrange the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet, make sure they have space around them. Overcrowding can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, which could make them soggy rather than crispy.
- Use high heat: Roasting at a higher temperature can help to crisp up the edges of the sweet potatoes. Consider raising the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Don’t skimp on oil: While you don’t want to drench the sweet potatoes in oil, using enough to coat each piece is important for achieving a crispy texture.
To Make them crispier:
- Cut them small: The smaller you cut your sweet potato pieces, the larger surface area they will have. A larger surface area will help them to crisp up more in the oven.
- Spread them out: When you arrange the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet, make sure they have space around them. Overcrowding can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, which could make them soggy rather than crispy.
- Use high heat: Roasting at a higher temperature can help to crisp up the edges of the sweet potatoes. Consider raising the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Don’t skimp on oil: While you don’t want to drench the sweet potatoes in oil, using enough to coat each piece is important for achieving a crispy texture.
Additional Reading:
- Health benefits of sweet potatoes: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Detailed nutritional information about sweet potatoes: USDA FoodData Central
- Additional recipes or variations for roasted sweet potatoes: Food Network
- An article about different types of sweet potatoes: Bon Appétit
- How to choose and store sweet potatoes: The Spruce Eats
- The history of sweet potatoes: Smithsonian Magazine