If you’ve been searching for a side dish that packs a punch of flavor and texture, look no further than this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe. These sweet potatoes start off tender and fluffy on the inside, but after a quick smash and a blast in the oven, they transform into golden, crunchy delights with a smoky, garlicky kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines simplicity and wow-factor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the earthiness of sweet potatoes to the fragrant pop of fresh herbs, every item contributes to making these crispy smashed sweet potatoes truly unforgettable.
- 2 pounds small or medium sweet potatoes (scrubbed): The star of the dish, these provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture beneath the crisp exterior.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that golden, crunchy crust while adding a fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory depth without overpowering the natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color that elevates these potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness and spice.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Offers a fragrant herbal note that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
- Flaky sea salt for serving (optional): A finishing touch to add bursts of crunchy, salty goodness.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding the sweet potatoes whole allows them to cook evenly inside out without falling apart. Boil them for 20 to 25 minutes until they are fork-tender, which means you can easily pierce them without resistance. This step is crucial to ensure the insides are soft and ready to be smashed.
Step 2: Prepare for Smashed Goodness
Drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re safe to handle. Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking, then arrange the potatoes with space in between. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently smash each potato until about half an inch thick. This flattening creates more surface area to crisp up in the oven, turning soft spuds into golden, crunchy bites you’ll crave.
Step 3: Season and Oil
Drizzle olive oil generously over each smashed sweet potato, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using fresh herbs, scatter them on now to infuse their aroma during roasting. This combination perfectly balances brightness, smokiness, and earthiness, layering flavors that will sing in every bite.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated 425°F oven. Roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The edges will caramelize beautifully and become irresistibly crunchy while the centers stay tender. For an extra special crunch, switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end—just watch carefully so they don’t burn!
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the potatoes right before serving for a delightful texture contrast. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or additional rosemary add a pop of color and freshness. For a creamy counterpoint, a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot honey can turn these crispy treats into a sensational snack or side.
Side Dishes
These crispy smashed sweet potatoes shine alongside grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or steak, and complement vibrant salads packed with seasonal greens. They’re also a fabulous option for any plant-based spread, pairing perfectly with dips like hummus or tahini for an enticing vegan meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the crispy potatoes in a rustic tower drizzled with your favorite sauce, or serve them as a base for melted cheese and caramelized onions. Another fun idea is to make mini loaded “potato skins” topped with black beans, avocado, or pico de gallo for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover crispy smashed sweet potatoes into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain much of their texture and flavor, making for a convenient snack or quick addition to your next meal.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze the boiled sweet potatoes before smashing and roasting. Place the cooled, un-smushed sweet potatoes in freezer bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and finish the smashing and roasting steps.
Reheating
To revive their crispy magic, reheat leftover smashed sweet potatoes in a hot oven (around 400°F) or toaster oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy, as that tends to make them soft and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes bring unique sweetness and color, using regular white or Yukon gold potatoes will still result in a delicious crispy smashed treat. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
What can I do to make the potatoes extra crispy?
Using plenty of olive oil and ensuring the potatoes are well spaced on the baking sheet helps a lot. Also, broiling for a couple of minutes at the end intensifies the crunch and creates gorgeous golden edges.
Are these suitable for a vegan diet?
Definitely. This Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe is 100% vegan when prepared as listed. Just stick to plant-based toppings if you want to keep the meal entirely vegan.
Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil the sweet potatoes a day or two in advance, keep them refrigerated, and complete the smashing and roasting steps just before serving. This makes timing your meal a breeze.
What are some good dipping sauces for these potatoes?
They’re amazing with creamy dips like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a cool tzatziki. Sweet options like honey mustard or spicy hot honey add great contrast as well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe enough—it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy to pull off on a busy night yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these potatoes invite you to enjoy simple ingredients in a truly delicious way. Give them a try and watch them become your new go-to side dish!
Print
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Irresistibly Crunchy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are an irresistibly crunchy and flavorful side dish made by boiling, smashing, and baking tender sweet potatoes with aromatic spices and olive oil. This vegan and gluten-free recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interiors, ideal for a healthy, comforting meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds small or medium sweet potatoes (scrubbed)
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the sweet potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole sweet potatoes and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender, indicating they’re perfectly cooked inside.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the water from the pot and let the sweet potatoes cool slightly until they are safe to handle for smashing.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking, then arrange the whole sweet potatoes on it evenly spaced.
- Smash Potatoes: Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press down on each sweet potato until it is about ½-inch thick, creating a flattened shape for crisping.
- Season: Drizzle the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs if using for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping the potatoes once halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy crust on both sides.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving if desired, and enjoy alongside your favorite dips like sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot honey.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the smashed potatoes for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Delicious served with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot honey.
- You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and roast them just before serving to save preparation time.
