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If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible texture, look no further than this Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and smoky all in one bite, featuring tender, caramelized sweet potatoes roasted to crisp perfection and paired with a zesty, creamy chipotle mayo dip that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or a side that steals the spotlight, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and a little kick to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right is all about using simple ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering layers of flavor and texture. These staples come together to create depth without complicating your kitchen time.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying, soft interior when roasted.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect crispy edge while adding subtle richness.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep smoky flavor that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle warmth to balance out the sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Offers a savory base note that enhances all other spices.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, elevating every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, cooling contrast for the spicy chipotle kick.
- Chipotle pepper sauce: Delivers smoky heat that’s irresistible in the mayo dip.
- Lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth to the dipping sauce.
How to Make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to roasting the sweet potatoes quickly so they get crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. It’s the foundation for that perfect texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Season the Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the spices here—getting an even coating ensures every bite bursts with flavor. This step infuses your potatoes with that signature smoky and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the seasoned wedges out in a single layer on your baking sheet to allow plenty of space for air circulation. Roast in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through. You’re looking for tender, golden edges that achieve that beautiful balance of crispy and soft in every bite.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix together mayonnaise, chipotle pepper sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This smoky chipotle mayo is creamy, tangy, and just spicy enough to complement the sweetness and smokiness of your roasted sweet potatoes perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your wedges are done roasting and your chipotle mayo is perfectly blended, it’s time to bring them together. Plate the smoky roasted sweet potatoes alongside a generous dollop of chipotle mayo for dipping, and prepare for a flavor experience that’s as cozy as it is exciting.
How to Serve Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the roasted sweet potatoes for a fresh herbal note and vibrant pop of color. A light dusting of extra smoked paprika also enhances the visual appeal and smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, a fresh green salad, or even a creamy avocado salsa. The smoky roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle mayo recipe adds a delightful contrast to lighter proteins or salads, rounding out the meal with hearty warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sweet potato wedges loaded with melted cheese, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo on a colorful platter at your next gathering. Alternatively, skewer the seasoned wedges for an easy-to-eat finger food option that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover smoky roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the chipotle mayo separately in a small jar or container to keep it fresh and tangy.
Freezing
While you can freeze roasted sweet potatoes, keep in mind that the texture may soften upon thawing. For best results, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The chipotle mayo is best made fresh and not frozen.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges nice and crunchy. Add the chipotle mayo fresh after reheating for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?
While regular paprika will add a mild peppery sweetness, it won’t provide the smoky depth that makes this dish shine. If you can find smoked paprika, it’s worth it for that characteristic flavor.
Is chipotle pepper sauce very spicy?
Chipotle pepper sauce has a moderate heat level with a smoky richness. It adds warmth without overwhelming the dish, but you can adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance.
Can I bake these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes earlier in the day and reheat following the recommended method. Keep the chipotle mayo separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Are these sweet potatoes vegan?
The recipe as written uses mayonnaise, which is typically not vegan. However, you can substitute vegan mayo to make this dish completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make the chipotle mayo less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of chipotle pepper sauce or mix in a bit more mayonnaise to mellow out the heat. The lime juice will help keep the flavor fresh and balanced.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. It’s easy to make, packed with delicious bold flavors, and versatile enough to suit any meal. So go ahead, treat yourself and your guests to the perfect marriage of smoky, spicy, and sweet—your taste buds will thank you.
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Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe features smoky roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder, paired perfectly with a zesty chipotle mayo dip. The sweet potatoes are roasted until tender and crispy, making a deliciously flavorful and satisfying side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Chipotle Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to roast the sweet potatoes properly and achieve a nice crispy texture.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned sweet potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender inside and crispy on the outside.
- Make Chipotle Mayo: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine mayonnaise, chipotle pepper sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
- Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, serve them hot alongside the chipotle mayo for dipping. Enjoy as a side dish or flavorful snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spread sweet potato wedges in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet.
- You can adjust the amount of chipotle pepper sauce in the mayo to make it more or less spicy according to your taste.
- Leftover chipotle mayo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Sweet potatoes can also be roasted with their skins on for added texture and nutrients.
