Description
These Sweet & Spicy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect combination of tender, fluffy sweet potato with a crispy, flavorful spiced crust. Boiled until fork-tender and then smashed and baked with a spicy seasoning blend and a touch of honey, they make a delicious and healthy side dish that is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for something sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
Seasonings & Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid easy cleanup.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into approximately 1-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato rounds in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes, to soften them thoroughly.
- Drain and Cool: Carefully drain the cooked sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle for smashing.
- Smash Potatoes: Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet and gently smash each with a fork or potato masher to about ½-inch thickness, creating a rustic, uneven texture.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over each smashed sweet potato to help crisp them during baking and add flavor.
- Season: Mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Add Honey: Drizzle honey over the seasoned sweet potatoes to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the sweet potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the smashed sweet potatoes warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder flavor.
- For crispier edges, place the baking sheet closer to the oven’s heating element during baking.
- These smashed sweet potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Try swapping honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a subtle herbaceous note but can be omitted if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American