Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a fun twist on your regular side dish! You start with soft, fluffy sweet potatoes and give them a little smash before roasting them until they’re crunchy and golden.
These tasty bites are seasoned to perfection, making them hard to resist! I love serving them with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of your favorite sauce on the side—yum! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. If you can’t find them, butternut squash can be a good substitute, though the flavor will change. Using different colors like purple or white sweet potatoes can add a fun twist!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. If olive oil isn’t available, you can use another healthy oil like avocado or canola oil. They work well without overpowering the dish.
Garlic Powder: For that lovely garlic flavor, garlic powder is convenient. If you prefer fresh, you can use minced garlic, just remember that less is more—about half a clove per teaspoon. It’s stronger when fresh!
Thyme: Fresh thyme ties the flavors together beautifully. If you’re out of it, dried thyme will do; just use a pinch since dried herbs are more concentrated. For a twist, try rosemary instead!
How Do You Get Your Sweet Potatoes to be Crispy and Delicious?
Getting that perfect crisp on your smashed sweet potatoes can seem tricky, but it’s all about the right techniques. Following these steps will ensure they come out golden and crunchy.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Boil them until fork-tender—overcooked potatoes can become too mushy to smash.
- Smash carefully: Flatten them gently; aim for about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t overdo it or they may break apart!
- Oil and seasoning: Make sure to coat them evenly with olive oil and your seasonings before roasting. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- High heat roasting: Roast them at 425°F (220°C) to get those edges nice and crispy! Keep an eye on them and you’ll know they are done when they’re golden brown.
Letting them cool slightly before serving helps maintain that crisp texture. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
For Dipping:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Honey (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 45 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, then let the sweet potatoes cook for 20-25 minutes. After smashing and seasoning, they’ll roast in the oven for another 20-25 minutes. It’s a simple and delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting your sweet potatoes.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. Place them in a pot, covering them with water, and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This means you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
3. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
After cooking, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes until they are manageable to handle. Carefully peel off the skins—don’t worry if they don’t come off perfectly, it adds character!
4. Smash Them Down:
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place your peeled sweet potatoes. Using the bottom of a cup or a potato masher, gently flatten each potato until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure they stay intact as you smash.
5. Season and Coat:
Drizzle olive oil over the smashed sweet potatoes. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss them gently to make sure each piece is coated evenly with the seasonings.
6. Roast to Crispy Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be crispy and golden brown!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done roasting, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a moment. Garnish your crispy smashed sweet potatoes with fresh thyme leaves for a burst of flavor.
8. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve the crispy smashed sweet potatoes with a side of sour cream for dipping. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little honey on top for a sweet twist. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While sweet potatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness and texture, you can substitute with regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly, as different potatoes have different textures.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes up to the point of smashing them, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just drizzle the olive oil and spices on and pop them in the oven!
Can I Add Additional Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your toppings. You can sprinkle on cheese, cooked bacon bits, or even add some crushed red pepper flakes for spice. Just remember to adjust the baking time if adding extra ingredients that may need cooking.
