Crispy smashed sweet potatoes are a fun way to enjoy this tasty veggie! They are soft inside and ultra-crunchy on the outside, making them a satisfying treat for your taste buds.
Imagine the sound of that crunch as you sink your teeth in! I love serving them with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of your favorite dip. You’ll find yourself munching happily—trust me on this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. If you’re in a pinch or prefer a different flavor, try using regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a twist.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps with crispiness. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well too. It has a high smoke point and is great for roasting!
Spices: Smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth of flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne can give a nice kick. Feel free to skip the spices or replace them with your favorites!
Greek Yogurt: This creamy dip is perfect here. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a blend of tahini and lemon juice. Trust me, the flavor is delightful!
How Do I Make the Sweet Potatoes Crispy?
Getting those sweet potatoes crispy takes a couple of key steps. It starts with the smashing technique and oil application. Here’s how:
- Pre-cook until fork-tender for the right texture.
- Use a potato masher or glass to smash them gently — not too flat, just enough to expose the surface for crisping!
- Drizzle with oil again before the final roasting to help achieve that golden brown crisp.
- Give them space on the baking sheet! Overcrowding can make them steam rather than crisp.
With these tips, you’ll have irresistible crispy smashed sweet potatoes every time!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- Honey (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 45-50 minutes to cook. So, you’ll spend about an hour total from start to finish—perfect for a tasty side dish or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your sweet potatoes will roast nicely and get crispy!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Give the sweet potatoes a good scrub under running water to clean them. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a towel and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder (if you’d like). Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are well-coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
5. Smash and Crispy Them Up:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, take them out of the oven. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each round to flatten them slightly. This helps create more crispy edges!
6. Drizzle and Continue Roasting:
Now, drizzle the smashed sweet potatoes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Return them to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
While the sweet potatoes finish cooking, mix the Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set it aside; this will be your delicious dipping sauce!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once your sweet potatoes are nice and crispy, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a lovely garnish. Serve them warm with the yogurt dip and a drizzle of honey, if you like. Enjoy your tasty crispy smashed sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor, you can also use regular potatoes, like russets or Yukon golds. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed until they’re fork-tender and crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with other oils such as avocado oil or canola oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will work well for roasting the sweet potatoes.
How Should I Store Leftover Smashed Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Sweet Potatoes Spicier?
Definitely! If you enjoy some heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level!
