Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A simple, flavorful, and nutritious side dish featuring tender, caramelized roasted sweet potato cubes seasoned with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional spices. This quick and easy recipe brings natural sweetness and crisp edges to complement any meal.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 large medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Spices and Additions
- Pinch of cinnamon, paprika, or rosemary (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup for a maple glaze (optional)
- 1–2 cloves garlic minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for vegan cheesy flavor (optional)
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving crisp, caramelized edges on the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes if preferred. Cut into evenly sized 1-inch cubes to ensure uniform cooking and caramelization.
- Season and Toss: Place the sweet potato cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and black pepper, then add any optional spices or herbs you’d like. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming and promote crisp edges.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the cubes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender with crispy, golden caramelized edges.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniformly sized cubes for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the olive oil; it helps crisp the edges and prevents dryness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow roasting rather than steaming.
- Use a high oven temperature (425°F) for best caramelization and flavor.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through baking for consistent color and texture.
- Let roasted sweet potatoes cool before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers by first spreading on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag; good for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: roasted sweet potatoes, easy side dish, healthy side, caramelized sweet potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, gluten free, vegan option