How To Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are cheap right now and it is easy to grow your own sweet potatoes in your garden making these nutritional powerhouses a great addition to your daily diet. Many people stay away from sweet potatoes because they tend to be hard and learning to cook with them can be a challenge. The good news is with a few handy tricks you can make tender flavorful roasted sweet potatoes easily in your own kitchen.

If you want to make the most of sweet potatoes in your daily diet you will love these roasted sweet potatoes. While you are at it try these mashed sweet potatoes and this sweet potato casserole on for size.

How to get tender sweet potatoes

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Select fresh sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin and vibrant orange color for the best flavor and texture.

Size Matters: Keep the size of your sweet potato pieces consistent. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger pieces may take longer. Aim for 1-inch cubes for even roasting.

Coat in Oil: Toss the sweet potato cubes in a generous amount of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This helps the potatoes become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Spread Evenly on the Pan: Arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, so use multiple pans if necessary.

Flip for Even Cooking: About halfway through the cooking time, flip the sweet potatoes to ensure that all sides get crispy and golden brown.

How to add flavor to your roasted sweet potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a versatile dish, and there are numerous ways to add flavor to them. Here are some ideas:

Spices: Experiment with various spices like cinnamon, cumin, paprika, chili powder, or a blend of your favorite spices for a unique flavor profile.

Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley can add a savory and aromatic touch.

Citrus Zest: Grate some citrus zest (orange, lemon, or lime) over the roasted sweet potatoes for a refreshing and citrusy flavor.

Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup or honey over the sweet potatoes before roasting for a touch of sweetness and caramelization.

Garlic: Toss sweet potatoes with minced or roasted garlic for a savory and aromatic twist.

Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes over the sweet potatoes before roasting for a hint of tropical flavor.

Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the sweet potatoes after roasting for a sweet and tangy finish.

Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan or other hard cheese over the sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting for a savory, umami flavor.

Nuts and Seeds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor by sprinkling chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or seeds (like sesame or pumpkin seeds) before roasting.

Fresh Herbs: Garnish the roasted sweet potatoes with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Serve roasted sweet potatoes with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy and tangy contrast.

Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the sweet potatoes after roasting.

What you need to roast sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes
Olive oil or preferred cooking oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: additional spices such as garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or cinnamon for flavor variation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with enough olive oil to coat them evenly. This helps in achieving a crispy exterior.

Season the sweet potatoes with salt and pepper. You can also add any desired spices or herbs for extra flavor.

Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife; the sweet potatoes should be tender but not mushy.

About halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to flip the sweet potatoes. This helps to ensure that all sides get crispy and golden brown.

If you desire extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Once the sweet potatoes are tender and have a crispy exterior, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.