If you’ve ever dreamed of a side dish that delivers both comfort and a crunchy twist, you’re going to love this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. These golden, crispy edges hugging soft, fluffy centers bring the rich natural sweetness of sweet potatoes to center stage. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a humble vegetable into something irresistible, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike. I’m excited to take you through this easy, rewarding recipe that’s as much fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies partly in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to highlight the natural flavor and texture of the sweet potatoes while enhancing the crispiness you crave. The olive oil creates that beautiful golden crust, while the seasonings add just the right kick.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound): Choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and helps achieve that irresistible crisp on the outside.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and earthiness to the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle aromatic punch without overpowering the potato.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley, thyme, or rosemary offer a fresh, fragrant touch that complements the crispy potatoes beautifully.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is essential for achieving that spectacular golden crispiness everyone loves about this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. While the oven warms up, prep your sweet potatoes for cooking.
Step 2: Clean and Cut
Scrub each sweet potato thoroughly to remove any dirt since you’ll be using the skins for extra texture and nutrients. Cut them into halves or quarters so they all cook evenly and fit nicely on your baking sheet.
Step 3: Boil Until Tender
Place the cut potatoes into salted boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily. This step softens the inside, making the smashing part possible without losing shape or turning mushy.
Step 4: Smash Gently
Drain and let the potatoes cool just enough to handle. Then, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and press down gently with a fork or the bottom of a glass until each piece is flattened but still in one piece. This smashing exposes more surface area to crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Oil
Drizzle each smashed piece generously with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and any fresh herbs you’ve chosen. This combination ensures every bite bursts with flavor while the oil crisps up the edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The sweet potatoes will turn golden and their edges become satisfyingly crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t over-brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
These crispy smashed sweet potatoes are best enjoyed hot from the oven. Their delightful crunch and softness inside make them a joy to eat any time of year.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the flavor and presentation, try sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving. A dash of crumbled feta or a drizzle of tangy yogurt sauce also adds a lovely creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the crispy texture.
Side Dishes
These crispy smashed sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with a range of mains. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. Their naturally sweet yet savory profile complements both robust and subtle flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these into bite-sized appetizers by cutting into smaller pieces and serving with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy aioli or honey mustard. You can also layer them in a casserole with cheese and herbs for a hearty side bake that doubles the comfort factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy them again without much fuss.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for crispiness, you can freeze cooked smashed sweet potatoes. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent clumping and allows you to reheat crisp portions whenever you want.
Reheating
To bring back that glorious crunch, reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and vibrant color, regular potatoes will also crisp up nicely with the same method.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
No worries! You can use fresh minced garlic added right before baking or substitute with onion powder for a different but delicious flavor profile.
How do I make these vegan?
This Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based olive oil and skip any dairy-based garnishes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is inherently gluten-free since it uses only potatoes and simple seasonings. Just double-check any optional toppings to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy edges?
Use a good amount of oil and make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F. Spacing the smashed potatoes well on the sheet prevents steaming and promotes even crisping.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe inspires you to bring a new level of pleasure to your meal times. It’s easy, versatile, and irresistibly tasty with its perfect balance of crisp edges and tender insides. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy sweet potatoes. Give it a go and watch how this simple recipe wins over everyone at your table!
Print
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes offers a deliciously simple way to enjoy sweet potatoes with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these smashed potatoes are seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp up the sweet potatoes once baked.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt. Cut them into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking and faster boiling.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the potato pieces into a pot of salted boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
- Smash Potatoes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully place each potato piece on the sheet and gently smash them using the bottom of a glass or potato masher until they are flattened but still intact.
- Season Potatoes: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and any fresh herbs you like on top, distributing the seasoning thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the potatoes develop a golden brown color and crispy edges for maximum texture and flavor.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the crispy smashed sweet potatoes warm as a tasty side dish or snack.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet.
- For extra crispiness, flip the smashed potatoes halfway through baking.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley complement the flavors well.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more garlic powder or salt if desired.
- Sweet potatoes can be boiled in advance and refrigerated before smashing and baking for convenience.
