These Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes are a tasty side dish that everyone will love. They’re sweet, soft, and get a little crispy on the edges when baked to perfection!
Making these is super simple! Just toss the cubes in oil and your favorite spices, roast them in the oven, and enjoy a colorful, healthy addition to any meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try using butternut squash or carrots for a similar sweetness.
Olive Oil: This gives the cubes great flavor and helps them crisp up nicely. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. You can also use coconut oil for a different taste.
Paprika: I recommend smoked paprika for a nice depth of flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, regular paprika is fine. You could also use chili powder for a little kick!
Garlic & Onion Powder: These add an amazing aroma and flavor. If you’re fresh-garlic-inclined, you might use fresh minced garlic instead, just remember to adjust the quantity since fresh is stronger!
How Can I Make Sure My Sweet Potato Cubes Roast Evenly?
Uniformity in size is key for even roasting. Cutting your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes ensures they cook at the same rate. Don’t rush this step! Once cut, you’ll want to quickly coat them in oil and spices to avoid browning.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you prep.
- Toss the cubes in a bowl just until they’re well-coated, but don’t let them sit too long before spreading on the baking sheet.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Remember to flip the cubes halfway through cooking for nice browning on all sides.
How to Make Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast. So, in total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes to have a tasty side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, let’s get things warming up! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready for our sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once the skins are off, cut them into uniform cubes, about 1 inch in size. This way, they’ll roast evenly and cook just right!
3. Make the Seasoning Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. It’ll smell delicious!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, add your sweet potato cubes to the bowl with the seasoning. Toss them around until each piece is nicely coated with that tasty mix. You want every bite to be flavorful!
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup (trust me, this helps!). Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the sheet. This helps them roast evenly and become crispy.
6. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Time to let them cook! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so they get golden brown and tender all around!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done roasting, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your warm roasted sweet potato cubes as a side dish or a tasty snack. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Yams Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can use yams in this recipe, but keep in mind they have a different flavor and texture. Yams tend to be starchier and less sweet than sweet potatoes, so you may want to adjust the seasonings slightly to enhance their flavor. Also, ensure that they are cooked until tender, which may require a few extra minutes of roasting.
How to Store Leftover Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes?
Store any leftover sweet potato cubes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy again.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even roasting, and adjust the cooking time as needed since different vegetables may require varying amounts of time to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you need a substitute for olive oil, you can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil. Both provide a nice flavor and work well for roasting. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using a cooking spray to lightly coat the sweet potatoes instead.
