Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If there’s a dish I find myself craving over and over again, it’s Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes. These golden, caramelized cubes bring together everything you love about a cozy side dish: crispy edges, melt-in-your-mouth centers, and that irresistible perfume of garlic and herb-infused butter. Whether you make them for a family weeknight dinner or let them steal the spotlight at your holiday table, they’re always devoured within minutes—and for good reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes lies in its simplicity. A short list of fresh, everyday ingredients proves just how much you can achieve with a few thoughtful touches. Each one plays a role in delivering bold flavor, warmth, and an inviting color to your table.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant orange sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and gorgeous color—they hold up perfectly in the oven.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings every ingredient together and gives those edges their signature crisp, golden bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness while helping prevent the butter from burning during roasting.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced, guarantee deep, aromatic flavor in every mouthful.
- Fresh thyme: Just a teaspoon, but it’s all you need for that earthy, herbal hint that balances the sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: This brings a subtle smokiness and vivid color to each bite.
- Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors and getting just enough savoriness.
- Black pepper: Don’t skip this—just a little goes a long way in rounding everything out.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that makes your sweet potatoes pop just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform in size ensures they cook evenly and gives you that dreamy combination of soft centers and lightly crisped exteriors.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This little bowl is where the magic starts—the aroma will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Step 3: Toss to Coat
Add the sweet potato cubes to the bowl, tossing until each piece is glossy and well coated in the garlic butter mix. Take your time here; the coating is what guarantees every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Spread and Roast
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them; giving space helps the cubes roast (not steam) and develop beautifully caramelized sides. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and golden, remove them from the oven and shower with fresh parsley. The pop of green not only brightens the dish but adds a light, herby finish—so don’t skip it!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
For an elegant final touch, a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley works wonders, but consider adding a little grated Parmesan or a few flakes of sea salt just before serving. Each adds an eye-catching sparkle and a little burst of flavor that guests will notice.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside juicy roasted chicken, a simply seasoned steak, or even as a colorful addition to a vegetarian plate. Their sweet-savory flavor plays well with almost any protein, especially at festive dinners and weeknight meals alike.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have fun beyond the classic approach, try piling the roasted sweet potatoes atop a bed of baby greens for a warm salad, or tuck them into grain bowls with chickpeas, avocado, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini sauce. They’re perfect for stuffing into wraps or tacos, too—the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container. These Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing their satisfying texture.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooled sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together, letting you grab just what you need. They’ll keep for up to three months.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F until warmed through and slightly crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but a few extra minutes in the oven really restores that ideal texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap in dried thyme if that’s what you have. Use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated—you’ll get the same great earthy flavor.
How can I make these sweet potatoes extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, be sure not to crowd the baking sheet, and flip the pieces halfway through roasting. Turning on your oven’s convection setting (if available) for the last 10 minutes adds extra crunch too!
Are Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone at your table can enjoy them. Just double-check your smoked paprika, as some brands may have additives.
What’s the best way to peel sweet potatoes?
Use a sturdy vegetable peeler to peel sweet potatoes with minimal effort. If you prefer, you can roast them with the skin on—just scrub them well first, as the skin adds a bit of extra texture and nutrients.
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Definitely! Spices like cayenne or chili powder add heat, while a drizzle of honey at the end will enhance the sweetness. Roasted nuts and seeds can also add some delightful crunch for a different spin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side that checks the boxes for flavor, texture, and pure comfort, Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are your answer. Don’t be surprised if they become a regular request at your house—once you taste that crispy, buttery goodness, there’s simply no going back. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
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Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of garlic, butter, and spices adds a delicious twist to traditional roasted sweet potatoes, making them a standout dish on your table.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- These pair well with roasted chicken or as a holiday side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
