I love sweet potatoes in so many ways. They are such a versatile veggie that makes any meal better. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite simple sweet potato side dish recipes that you can easily make at home.
Both of these recipes focus on getting that amazing crispy texture we all enjoy. Whether you prefer them smashed or roasted, I’ve got you covered with straightforward steps and helpful tips for delicious sweet potatoes.
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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: A Perfect Side
I really enjoy how crispy these smashed sweet potatoes turn out. They’re a fantastic easy side dish that adds a lot of texture to your plate.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Boiling First: This step makes the sweet potatoes soft enough to smash easily and helps them get extra crispy when roasted. Don’t skip it!
- Smash Well: Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher. Flatten them firmly but don’t break them apart. More surface area means more crispy bits.
What You Need for Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Boil Sweet Potatoes
Put the whole sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain well.
Step 2: Smash & Season
Place the boiled sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently flatten each sweet potato to about 1/2 inch thick. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the smashed sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy on the edges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
📝 Final Note
These are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat in an air fryer or oven for crispiness.
Crunchy Roasted Sweet Potatoes: An Easy Side
These roasted sweet potatoes are simple to make and always turn out delicious. The edges get nicely crunchy, making them a wonderful addition to any meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Cut Evenly: Make sure you cut your sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces. This helps them all cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some burnt and some still hard.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your sweet potatoes space on the baking sheet. If they are too close, they will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that nice crunchy texture. Use two baking sheets if needed.
What You Need for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of chili flakes
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Crunchy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them all about the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: Season Well
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are fully coated.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be tender inside and nicely browned and crunchy on the outside.
📝 Final Note
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro after roasting can add a lovely fresh finish to these sweet potatoes.
