If you’re craving something that delivers on both flavor and texture, look no further than these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy. Imagine vibrant slices of sweet potato, roasted until the edges are shatteringly crisp and tossing up both savory and sweet notes with every bite. Finished with herbs and a touch of cheese (if you fancy!), this side dish transforms the humble sweet potato into an absolute showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of kitchen staples can create something so utterly addictive! Each ingredient plays its own starring role here, bringing out the best flavors, the most glorious colors, and crispiness to boot.

Sweet potatoes (2 pounds, small to medium): Choose smaller sweet potatoes for perfect single-serve rounds with just the right creamy interior and crunchy exterior.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): This helps to achieve that gorgeous, golden crisp on the outside without weighing the potatoes down.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle way to add aromatic depth without overpowering the sweet potato’s natural flavor.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Smokiness and a dash of color truly make these potatoes pop.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Unlocks the sweetness and ties all the other seasonings together.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and balances the sweet notes beautifully.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of freshness and color as the finishing touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra hint of salty, nutty flavor, don’t hesitate to sprinkle this on right before serving.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good scrub and leaving the peels on for both nutrition and extra texture. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring everything to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Resist overcooking—they should be soft enough to smash but not falling apart!

Step 2: Cool and Arrange

Once your potatoes are cooked through, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. This quick cool-down makes them easier to handle and ensures edges stay intact. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which means easy cleanup and ensures you get that crisp surface underneath each potato.

Step 3: Smash Time!

Now for the fun part: gently press each sweet potato with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t worry about getting perfect circles—the craggy ridges help catch all the oil and spices, leading to that irresistibly crunchy surface this recipe is famous for. Arrange the smashed potatoes so there’s space between each one for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Drizzle the olive oil liberally over the potatoes (don’t skimp—any uncovered patches won’t get as crispy!), then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly. If you want to kick things up, now’s your moment to add a pinch of chili flakes, or perhaps a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.

Step 5: Roast Until Crispy

Pop the tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven, and let the magic happen. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping each potato halfway through. You’ll see the edges turn deep golden and irresistibly crunchy—and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, shower your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy with freshly chopped parsley and, if you fancy, a snowfall of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve these beauties while still hot for the ultimate snappy bite.

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy

Garnishes

There’s almost no limit to how you can garnish these gems. A scatter of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro goes a long way, but don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of chili flakes or an extra dusting of smoked paprika for a little heat. For a richer finish, a drizzle of homemade garlic aioli or even a touch of maple syrup pairs delightfully with their earthy sweetness.

Side Dishes

These crisp pillows are so versatile. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, steak, or fish for a satisfying, colorful meal. They’re also right at home next to a big leafy salad, grilled vegetables, or as part of a holiday spread—honestly, you’ll find yourself inventing new pairings just for an excuse to make another batch of these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling extra, turn these into appetizers by piling them with dollops of sour cream and chives, or use them as a base for pulled pork or shredded chicken. You can even turn them into a fun party platter with a variety of toppings and dips on the side—get creative and let your guests build their own sweet potato masterpieces!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare, but possible!), store any remaining potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors often deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or snack just as delicious as the fresh batch.

Freezing

Surprisingly, these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then lay out on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together and you can pull out as many as needed for a quick side.

Reheating

To bring back that crunch, skip the microwave and reheat the potatoes in a hot oven (about 400°F/200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully, and no one will suspect they weren’t just made fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift. Sweet potatoes offer that irresistible sweet-savory depth and signature orange color, which are part of this dish’s standout charm.

How do I keep my smashed sweet potatoes from falling apart?

The key is to boil them just until fork-tender but not mushy. Letting them cool slightly before smashing also helps keep the shape. Even if they break a bit, those rugged edges only add to the crispy factor!

Can I make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy ahead of time?

Definitely! You can boil, cool, and smash the potatoes a few hours (or even a day) in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then oil, season, and roast right before serving for ultimate freshness and crunch.

What other seasonings work well with this recipe?

Feel free to get adventurous! Cumin, chili powder, cayenne, rosemary, and thyme all make wonderful additions. A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving also amps up flavor and texture.

Are Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes, and yes! They’re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. For a vegan twist, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or swap for a plant-based alternative. Everyone deserves a plateful of crunchy happiness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy, you’ll never look at sweet potatoes the same way again. They’re perfect for any night of the week, crowd-pleasing, and so much fun to make. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and give them a try. You’ll definitely want to save room for seconds!

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional roasted sweet potatoes. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from garlic powder and smoked paprika. A perfect side dish for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes:

2 pounds small to medium sweet potatoes

Seasoning:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the sweet potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes, boil them until tender, drain, and let cool slightly.
Smash the sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each one until about 1/2 inch thick.
Season and roast: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispiness, brush sweet potatoes with more olive oil after smashing.
You can add chili flakes for heat or drizzle with honey for a sweet-savory twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American