If you’re on the hunt for a veggie side that combines irresistible crunch with the natural sweetness of the root, then this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, fork-tender sweet potatoes that get smashed flat and roasted to golden, crispy perfection — a wonderful contrast of textures that will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. This recipe is straightforward, bursting with flavor, and perfect for adding a cozy, homemade vibe to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in these sweet potatoes, balancing savory spices with the inherent sweetness and creating that perfect crisp texture you crave.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps crisp the edges beautifully.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory note without overpowering the potatoes.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley, rosemary, or thyme add a fresh, aromatic lift when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, scrub those sweet potatoes clean under running water and cut them into halves or quarters to make sure they cook evenly. This prep step lays the foundation for perfectly tender insides.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Next, pop your cut sweet potatoes into a pot of salted water and boil for around 15 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This cooking softens the potatoes beautifully, so when you smash them, they will spread out just right without falling apart.
Step 3: Gently Smash the Potatoes
Drain your tender potatoes and let them cool just a bit — warm but handleable is ideal. On a baking sheet lined with parchment, carefully press down on each piece with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until it’s flattened but still intact. This is where the magic begins, creating those crisp edges when roasted.
Step 4: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle each smashed potato with extra virgin olive oil. Then sprinkle evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor profile even more.
Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden-brown color forming around the edges — that’s your crispy, caramelized goodness taking shape.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your crispy smashed sweet potatoes come out of the oven, serve them right away for the best texture contrast — warm and tender in the center with those irresistibly crisp edges.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To take these crispy smashed sweet potatoes to the next level, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness, or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives brighten the dish visually and in flavor, offering a fresh pop that complements the earthiness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These potatoes make an excellent companion to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian main like a hearty lentil stew. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky or savory flavors, making them a versatile standout on almost any dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the crispy smashed sweet potatoes on a platter with some crumbled feta, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of spicy aioli. They’re also wonderful served as a base for a loaded potato-style topping — think sour cream, scallions, and crispy bacon bits for a casual yet elevated snack or appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! Store your crispy smashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making great quick bites or easy additions to a salad or bowl.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked sweet potatoes, the crispy texture won’t hold up perfectly after thawing. If you want to freeze, place them in a single layer on a tray first to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to regain some crispness.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your crispy smashed sweet potatoes is in the oven or a toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the crisp edges much better than the microwave, giving you that satisfying crunch again.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes work beautifully in this recipe and will give you a similar crispy, tender result, though the flavor will be less sweet and more earthy. Just adjust boiling time as needed depending on the potato size.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
The key is to make sure your sweet potatoes are well dried before smashing and that you use enough oil on the surface. Also, roasting at a high temperature like 425°F helps create those golden, crispy edges.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses olive oil and plant-based seasonings. Just be sure to avoid non-vegan garnishes like cheese or sour cream unless you swap for vegan alternatives.
What fresh herbs work best?
Rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley are excellent choices here. They complement the sweetness and add a lovely aromatic touch without overpowering the potatoes.
Can I add spices for a different flavor?
Definitely! Ground paprika, cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika can all add wonderful layers of flavor. Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of ease and elegance that will make you excited to add sweet potatoes to your weeknight roster. Whether you keep it simple or dress them up with herbs and spices, these crispy little gems promise flavor, texture, and a whole lot of smiles. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!
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
These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender boiled sweet potatoes smashed and baked to golden perfection with a crispy exterior. Seasoned with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, they make a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the smashed sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the Potatoes. Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Cut them into halves or quarters to ensure they cook evenly.
- Boil Until Tender. Place the potato pieces into salted boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce through them. Drain the water and allow the pieces to cool slightly for handling.
- Smash the Potatoes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently press down on each potato piece with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to flatten them, making sure they stay intact.
- Season and Oil. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each smashed potato. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs of your choice evenly over the potatoes for enhanced flavor.
- Bake to Crisp. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust around the edges.
- Serve. Remove the potatoes from the oven and serve them warm to enjoy their crispy texture and delicious taste.
Notes
- To get extra crispy edges, flip the potatoes halfway through baking.
- You can customize the seasoning with paprika, chili flakes, or parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Make sure not to over-boil the potatoes so they hold their shape when smashed.
