Description
Deliciously crispy on the edges and tender on the inside, these Sweet & Spicy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect blend of sweet honey and bold spices. This easy-to-make recipe involves boiling, smashing, seasoning, and then baking the sweet potatoes to golden perfection, making it an ideal side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
Seasoning & 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 the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into approximately 1-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the rounds in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes, ensuring they’re soft enough to smash.
- Drain and Cool: Carefully drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle during smashing.
- Smash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the rounds to the lined baking sheet and gently smash each to about ½-inch thickness using a fork or potato masher to create a rough, uneven surface for crispy edges.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the smashed sweet potatoes to promote browning and add flavor.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend generously over the sweet potatoes for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Add Honey: Drizzle honey over the seasoned sweet potatoes to balance the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown, giving the sweet potatoes a delightful texture contrast.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes to set the texture and make them easier to handle.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve warm as a tasty side or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the sweet potatoes halfway through baking.
- The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh parsley or substitute with cilantro for a different herbal twist.
- These sweet potatoes can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Make sure not to over-boil the sweet potatoes; they should be tender but not falling apart before smashing.
