Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). 

Roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Their naturally sweet caramelized flavor is enhanced with a savory touch of salt and pepper, making them irresistible. Simple to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious, this recipe is a must-try for sweet potato lovers and skeptics alike!

roasted sweet potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

  • Unbeatable flavor combination: Roasting transforms sweet potatoes, bringing out their natural sweetness while creating savory, caramelized edges that are irresistible.
  • Quick and easy to make: With just three ingredients and 35 minutes total, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute side dishes.
  • Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, roasted sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to white potatoes or other carb-heavy sides.
  • Versatile side dish: These sweet potatoes pair perfectly with turkey, chicken, fish, or even as a topping for salads and grain bowls.
  • Diet-friendly: Whether you’re eating gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian, this recipe fits seamlessly into a variety of dietary lifestyles.

Roasted sweet potatoes is an outstanding side dish.  Even people who don’t like sweet potatoes usually change their minds after trying roasted sweet potatoes.  Roasted sweet potatoes taste so different from mashed sweet potatoes or baked sweet potatoes, that it almost seems like it’s a totally different vegetable!

Ingredients For Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

  • Sweet potatoes – Choose large, firm sweet potatoes for the best results. Their natural sweetness is the star of this recipe!
  • Olive oil – Helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly while giving them a slightly crispy exterior.
  • Salt and pepper – A simple yet perfect seasoning to enhance the savory flavors of the sweet potatoes.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

  • Baking sheet – To spread out the sweet potato chunks for even roasting.
  • Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Knife and cutting board – Essential for peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into chunks.
  • Mixing bowl – For tossing the sweet potato pieces with olive oil.
  • Measuring spoons – To measure out the olive oil and seasonings.

Roasting bring out unique savory notes in sweet potatoes.   If I can call mashed sweet potatoes “sweet” (and even add brown sugar or maple syrup to them to bring out even more sweetness), roasted sweet potatoes are not sweet… they are savory.  That’s why roasted sweet potatoes need a good sprinkling of salt and pepper – salt and pepper make them taste even more complete.

How To Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1 ½-inch chunks.
  • Place the sweet potato pieces in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
  • Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
  • Remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

My favorite way of serving roasted sweet potatoes is as a side dish with sliced turkey breast and cranberry sauce.  Roasted sweet potatoes also go really well with chicken breast.  And of course, you can have them as a side dish with any kind of meat or fish.

Serving Suggestions

As a great bonus, sweet potatoes are much healthier than regular white potatoes.  If you are looking for a new healthy and tasty side dish, make the roasted sweet potatoes today!

Tips For Success

  • Cut evenly: Try to cut the sweet potatoes into uniformly sized chunks (about 1 ½ inches) to ensure even cooking. Uneven pieces may result in some being overcooked while others remain underdone.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread the sweet potato chunks in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the potatoes from caramelizing properly.
  • Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Avoid aluminum foil, as it can cause sticking and uneven browning.
  • Flip halfway through roasting: Turning the sweet potatoes once during cooking helps them brown evenly on all sides.
  • Season after roasting: Add salt and pepper after the sweet potatoes come out of the oven for the best flavor. The seasoning sticks better when they’re hot!
  • Experiment with flavors: While salt and pepper are classic, you can also add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Variations And Substitutions

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give the sweet potatoes a subtle kick. This pairs wonderfully with their natural sweetness.
  • Herby twist: Sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano over the sweet potatoes before roasting for an aromatic flavor boost.
  • Sweet and savory: For a unique twist, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup or honey over the potatoes before roasting. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon to emphasize the sweetness.
  • Oil alternatives: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor profile. These oils work just as well for roasting.
  • Add garlic: Toss minced garlic or garlic powder with the sweet potatoes before roasting for an earthy, bold flavor.
  • Make it smoky: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a hint of smokiness that elevates the dish.
  • Different veggies: Combine sweet potatoes with other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or beets for a colorful and flavorful medley.
  • Low-sodium version: Skip the salt and use a salt-free seasoning blend to suit a low-sodium diet.

Storage And Reheating

  • Storage: Allow the roasted sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain their crispiness.
  • Reheating in the microwave: Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
  • Reheating in an air fryer: If you have an air fryer, reheat the sweet potatoes at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes when roasting?

Yes! Leaving the skin on is completely optional and a great way to save time. The skin becomes tender and adds extra fiber and nutrients to the dish. Just be sure to scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly before roasting.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are the focus of this recipe, you can use regular white potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the variety and size of the potato chunks.

How can I make these sweet potatoes extra crispy?

To achieve crispier roasted sweet potatoes, ensure they are spaced out on the baking sheet so they don’t steam. You can also increase the oven temperature to 450°F for the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Are roasted sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Roasting them with olive oil keeps the dish healthy while enhancing flavor.

Can I prepare roasted sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, roasted sweet potatoes can be made in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain their texture.

What seasonings work best with roasted sweet potatoes?

Salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can experiment with paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, or even curry powder. Herbs like rosemary or thyme also pair wonderfully.

Why are my roasted sweet potatoes soggy?

Soggy sweet potatoes usually occur if the baking sheet is overcrowded or if the oven isn’t hot enough. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer and roast at a high temperature (425°F or higher).

Other Easy Sweet Potato Recipes

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries – These crispy, golden sweet potato fries cook perfectly in the air fryer for a quick and delicious snack or side dish.

Homemade Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe – Light, fluffy, and packed with sweet potato flavor, this homemade soufflé is a comforting classic for holidays or special occasions.

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Mushroom Soup – Creamy, savory, and loaded with earthy mushrooms, this Instant Pot soup is a hearty and healthy meal in minutes.

Pomegranate Feta Sweet Potato Salad – A vibrant salad featuring roasted sweet potatoes, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta, perfect for any gathering.

Sweet Potato Pie Made In The Instant Pot – A rich and velvety sweet potato pie that’s effortlessly cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.

Sweet Potato Casserole With Toasted Marshmallows – This indulgent casserole combines creamy sweet potatoes with a gooey marshmallow topping for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Gluten-Free Paleo Sweet Potato Pancakes (Only 2 Ingredients!) – These simple, wholesome pancakes are naturally sweet and perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Click Here To Pin This Recipe

Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

These roasted sweet potatoes are so easy to make and so healthy and delicious! Their naturally sweet caramelized flavor is mouthwatering!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Peel the sweet potatoes. Cut the sweet potatoes into chunks (approximately 1 1/2 inches in size).
  • Put the sweet potato chunks into a bowl and pour oil over them. Toss the potatoes pieces with your hands so they are covered with oil.
  • Put the potatoes pieces on the baking sheet. Put in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
NEVER MISS A RECIPE!I publish a new recipe several times per week. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Sign up for FREE notifications!
Save This Recipe

More Side Dish Recipes

Save this for later on your social media:


Get Melanie's FREE Recipes In Your Inbox!

Similar Posts

4 Comments

5 from 2 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe (only if you tried it, otherwise leave blank)