These Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate side dish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with natural sweetness. Roasting brings out the best in sweet potatoes, caramelizing their natural sugars and creating a flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday side, a weeknight staple, or even as a snack, these roasted spuds are simple, healthy, and utterly delicious. Let’s get roasting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Healthy: Made with just a few ingredients, this dish is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, salad topping, or even a standalone snack.
- Crispy and Flavorful: The high heat of the oven creates golden, caramelized edges while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
- Customizable: Add spices, herbs, or sauces to match your mood or meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular, for depth)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a sweet or spicy twist
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for extra sweetness)
- Crumbled feta cheese or Parmesan (for a savory touch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes (about 1 inch). Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon for sweetness or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
- Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper roasting and crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
4. Roast Until Golden and Crispy
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- The potatoes are done when they’re tender on the inside and crispy and caramelized on the outside.
