Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Golden, tender roasted sweet potatoes with a crisp edge — perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of butter. This simple, nutrient-rich side dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a healthy, fiber-rich addition to any meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a flavorful holiday side.
Equipment
- 1 large baking sheet
- 1 mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons (set)
- Measuring cups (set)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or mild cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (or substitute with oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures that your sweet potatoes develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of oil. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up much easier later.
- Peel and Cut Sweet Potatoes: Take 2 pounds of sweet potatoes and carefully peel them using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform sizing is important for even roasting so every piece cooks at the same rate. Place the chopped sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl for seasoning.
- Season and Oil the Sweet Potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or a mild-flavored oil of your choice) and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the mixing bowl with the sweet potatoes. Toss gently so each piece is evenly coated in the oil and butter. Season generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper (or ¼ teaspoon ground pepper if desired). Toss again to ensure even coverage of seasoning. This step is essential for building flavor and helping the sweet potatoes crisp in the oven.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single, even layer across your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan — if necessary, use two baking sheets. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents proper caramelization, resulting in soggy pieces instead of crisp-roasted bites.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. You’ll know they are done when they are fork-tender inside and golden brown with slightly crisp edges.
- Prepare Optional Butter-Honey Glaze: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, you can prepare a simple glaze for extra flavor. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then stir in 1 teaspoon of honey until well combined. This glaze adds a subtle sweetness and glossy finish to the potatoes, making them irresistible.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once roasted to perfection, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. Transfer them to a serving dish while still warm. If using the butter-honey glaze, drizzle it evenly over the potatoes just before serving. This extra step creates a balance of savory and sweet flavor, elevating the dish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Storage and Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
- Optional Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting. These additions give the sweet potatoes unique seasonal twists without adding much extra prep time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these roasted sweet potatoes as a side to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetarian Buddha bowl. They also pair beautifully with fresh greens, yogurt-based sauces, or as a topping for grain bowls. Their versatility makes them perfect for everyday cooking and special occasions alike.
Notes
- For even cooking, always cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces.
- Use a high-quality oil with a mild flavor to enhance natural sweetness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet — this allows proper caramelization.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon, smoked paprika, or cumin for added depth.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust salt to taste.
- If making ahead, roast potatoes slightly underdone; reheat before serving to preserve crispness.
