Description
Deliciously tender and crispy Sweet & Spicy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect side dish or snack. Boiled until fork-tender, smashed, seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices, drizzled with honey, and oven-baked to golden perfection for a sweet and spicy flavor with crispy edges.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
Seasoning & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into approximately 1-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato rounds in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Carefully drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly so they can be handled safely in the next step.
- Smash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the sweet potato rounds to the prepared baking sheet. Using a fork or potato masher, gently smash each round to about ½-inch thickness for a crispy texture when baked.
- Oil Sweet Potatoes: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the smashed sweet potatoes to add flavor and help crisp the edges during baking.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Add Honey: Drizzle honey over the seasoned sweet potatoes to enhance the natural sweetness and create a delicious contrast with the spices.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the sweet potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve the sweet and spicy smashed sweet potatoes warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Boiling the sweet potatoes until fork-tender ensures they smash easily and bake to a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet makes clean-up easier and prevents sticking.
- Honey adds a lovely sweetness to balance the spiciness but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a fresh, herbal note and color contrast.
