Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a memorable, vibrant side dish that’s a true crowd-pleaser, Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are here to steal the spotlight! Imagine the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, elevated with irresistible golden edges, a touch of smoky spice, and a satisfying crunch in every bite. This is the kind of dish that makes you look forward to dinnertime, transforms even the simplest meals, and disappears fast whenever you set a tray on the table. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a potluck, or just spicing up your weeknight routine, you’ll love how easy and delicious these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes turn out every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes such a hit is the simplicity of the ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The combination of pantry staples and a few fresh touches brings this recipe to life and keeps it naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
- Sweet potatoes: Look for small to medium-sized sweet potatoes for the perfect balance of creamy centers and crisp edges.
- Olive oil: Helps create that crave-worthy, crispy exterior while adding a subtle, fruity flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with savory depth without overpowering the sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and lovely color that makes the potatoes visually enticing.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity, rounding out the seasoning blend.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Gives a fresh, herbal pop and a splash of green for garnish.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): For a final flourish, this elevates texture and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking. This high heat is key—it sets the stage for getting those irresistibly crisp edges on every smashed potato.
Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Place your sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then cook for about 15–20 minutes until they’re just fork-tender. The goal here is to soften them enough to smash, but not so much they fall apart—this is how you land on that magical sweet spot between soft insides and crispy outsides.
Step 3: Smash and Season
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle. Gently transfer each to the prepared baking sheet, then use the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup to smash each one until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This is the fun part! Now, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush this savory mixture over every nook and cranny of the smashed sweet potatoes, making sure they’re well coated for the best flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy
Slide the tray into the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25–30 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through—this helps both sides develop those gorgeous crispy edges. If you’re a fan of ultra-crisp texture, switch on the broiler for the final 2–3 minutes, watching closely so they don’t overbrown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once roasted to perfection, pull the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley and a touch of flaky sea salt if you like. Serve these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes warm and watch them vanish faster than you ever thought possible!
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly make these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes shine. Try fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a bright herbal note, or a final sprinkling of flaky sea salt to amplify the crunch. A dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can take things to the next level if you’re feeling bold.
Side Dishes
This versatile side goes with just about anything! Pair your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with roasted meats, grilled fish, or alongside hearty salads and veggie burgers. Their sweet-savory flavor makes them especially perfect for holiday spreads and casual weeknight dinners alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve them as a finger food appetizer with a dipping sauce like herbed yogurt, chipotle mayo, or tahini. Stack them up on a platter for dramatic effect, or add crumbled feta, toasted nuts, or pomegranate seeds for unexpected flair. These potatoes are as fun to style as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, let your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes cool to room temperature first. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Their flavor deepens as they sit, making leftovers just as tempting!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Once completely cooled, arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This keeps them from sticking together, so you can grab just what you need.
Reheating
To restore maximum crispiness, reheat the potatoes on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the edges. For a quick fix, a few minutes under the broiler works wonders too.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes offer a unique sweetness and vivid color, this technique also works beautifully with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Adjust the spices as you wish for the variety you’re using.
How do I keep my smashed sweet potatoes from falling apart?
Be sure not to overboil the sweet potatoes—they should be just fork-tender, not mushy. Letting them cool slightly before smashing also helps them keep their shape on the baking sheet.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! Swap it with regular paprika for color, or experiment with chili powder or cumin for a slightly different flavor profile. Each spice brings its own twist to Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes.
Can I make these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can boil and smash the sweet potatoes earlier in the day, store them covered in the fridge, then season and roast just before serving for fresh, crispy results.
Are these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes vegan?
Yes, they’re naturally vegan as written! Just be mindful of any garnishes or toppings if you’d like to keep them fully plant-based. They’re also gluten-free and perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes, I hope this guide inspires you to give them a whirl. They’re incredibly simple, outrageously flavorful, and guaranteed to become a new favorite on your table. Let your creativity shine and enjoy every crispy, golden bite!
Print
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish, featuring tender sweet potatoes smashed and roasted to perfection, creating a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, these potatoes are a wonderful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds small to medium sweet potatoes
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes whole in salted water for about 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Smash Potatoes: Transfer sweet potatoes to the baking sheet and gently smash each one until about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season and Roast: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the sweet potatoes with the seasoned oil. Roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the sweet potatoes for the last 2–3 minutes.
- These pair well with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
