There’s something magical about the caramelized edges and tender interior of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. This recipe delivers a symphony of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly smoky—with just a handful of ingredients. In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
The simplicity of this dish lets the natural sweetness shine, while a touch of olive oil and seasoning enhances its depth. Whether as a hearty side or a standalone snack, these roasted sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) sweet potatoes, chopped into 1″ pieces (peeled or unpeeled, based on preference)
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Drizzle any remaining oil from the bowl over the potatoes on the baking sheet.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. (Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger ones may take longer.)
- Flip the potatoes halfway through baking using a spatula for even browning.
- Serve warm and enjoy as a side dish or snack!
Delicious Toppings & Sauces to Elevate Your Dish
Take your roasted sweet potatoes to the next level with these tasty additions! Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, or sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory twist. For a creamy finish, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce. Spice lovers can add a dash of chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These roasted sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or vegetarian chili. They also make a great addition to grain bowls or salads. For a hearty breakfast, pair them with fried eggs and avocado for a nutritious start to your day.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Chop your sweet potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning. When ready to cook, simply drain, pat dry, and toss with oil and seasonings. You can also roast a double batch and use the leftovers for quick meals throughout the week!
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Experiment with different flavors by adding garlic powder, cumin, or rosemary to the seasoning mix. For a sweet and savory combo, toss the potatoes with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon before roasting. You can also swap olive oil for coconut oil or avocado oil for a unique twist.
Simple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes* chopped into 1″ pieces
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F (220C)
- Toss sweet potato pieces, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl and spread evenly over an ungreased baking sheet (make sure all sweet potato pieces are coated in oil and drizzle any remaining oil from the bowl over the potatoes in the pan).
- Once oven is preheated, transfer baking sheet to the oven and roast potatoes for 25-35 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork (if your potato pieces are smaller they may take less time and if they are larger they may take longer). Use a spatula to turn the potatoes halfway through baking.
- Serve warm.