If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort with a bit of crunch, this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Picture tender, fluffy sweet potatoes that have been lovingly boiled, smashed just enough to get those delightful edges, then roasted until perfectly crispy and golden. Each bite brings a wonderful contrast of soft inside and satisfyingly crisp outside, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or even a light meal. Plus, these simple ingredients come together so easily, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this before!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and humble, but each one plays an essential role in transforming plain sweet potatoes into a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and warmth. With just a handful, you’ll experience a delightfully crispy exterior paired with a rich, comforting interior.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture once tender.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps achieve that irresistible crispy finish.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and balances every bite.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat to highlight the potato’s flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Brings a savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Fresh herbs (optional): A sprinkle of rosemary, thyme, or parsley can elevate the aroma and add a touch of fresh brightness.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C)—this high heat is crucial for creating those golden, crispy edges. While the oven warms up, scrub your sweet potatoes clean to remove any dirt. Then, cut them into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking and quicker boiling time.
Step 2: Boil Until Fork-Tender
Place your cut sweet potatoes in salted boiling water and let them cook for about 15 minutes. You want them tender enough that a fork slides in easily but not falling apart, since they’ll need to hold their shape during the smashing.
Step 3: Smash with Care
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your potatoes on it. Gently press each piece down until it’s flattened but still intact—this is where the magic begins as those smashed surfaces will crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Oil
Drizzle the olive oil generously over each smashed potato, making sure the edges get a good coating to crisp up nicely. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and if you’re feeling fancy, a handful of fresh herbs. This seasoning layer is what turns simple potatoes into a flavor-packed treat.
Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook; you want the edges to turn golden brown and crispy while the centers remain soft and tender. This roasting step locks in the flavors and creates that addicting texture everyone loves.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of spicy aioli for an extra creamy and cooling contrast to the crispy edges.
Side Dishes
These crispy sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a hearty bean chili. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture bring a vibrant balance to proteins and heavier mains, making them a versatile side dish for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these on a platter topped with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds. Or layer them in a bowl with fresh greens and a bright vinaigrette for a warm, satisfying salad. You can even skewer a few for a finger-food style appetizer at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve their texture, keep the potatoes in a single layer if possible and avoid covering them tightly with wet ingredients.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these, flash freeze the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, it’s best to reheat them directly in the oven for the crispiest results.
Reheating
For reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispiness. Instead, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method refreshes the texture beautifully without turning them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes work well too, though sweet potatoes offer a unique sweetness and softer texture that many love. Adjust boiling time accordingly since regular potatoes might take a bit longer to become tender.
What if I don’t have garlic powder on hand?
No worries! You can substitute with a bit of fresh minced garlic or onion powder. Both will add a nice depth of flavor to complement the potatoes.
How do I make these spicy?
Simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your seasoning mix before roasting. This will add a subtle kick without overpowering the natural sweetness.
Can I bake them without smashing first?
You can roast whole sweet potatoes, but the smashing is what creates the wonderful crispy edges and texture contrast. Without smashing, you’d miss out on that signature crunch that makes this recipe so special.
Are these suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients only. Just be sure your olive oil and any garnishes respect your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried roasting sweet potatoes this way, you’re in for a simple yet extraordinary treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress guests. The Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe combines ease, flavor, and texture in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give it a whirl—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender boiled sweet potatoes that are smashed and baked to golden perfection with a crispy exterior. Flavored with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and optionally garnished with fresh herbs, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for crisping your potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut them into halves or quarters to promote even cooking.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the sweet potato pieces into salted boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the boiled sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press each piece to flatten it, taking care to keep them mostly intact.
- Season: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each smashed potato. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs if using, to enhance the flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and become crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your crispy smashed sweet potatoes as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through baking.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary complement the sweet potato’s flavor wonderfully.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference, such as adding smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- These potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
