These savory sweet potatoes, topped with parmesan and herbs, are a tasty treat! They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, giving you a yummy mix of flavors in every bite.
Who knew sweet potatoes could be so fancy? It’s hard to resist stealing a few right off the baking sheet. I love serving them as a side dish or even a snack—so good and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! Look for firm and smooth ones. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash or regular potatoes, though the flavors will differ slightly. Remember to adjust cooking time as needed!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the sweet potatoes. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well too. Use a few drops of sesame oil for a nutty flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices enhance the overall flavor. If you prefer fresh, you can substitute with minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Just remember to adjust the quantities since fresh has a stronger taste!
Herbs Spices: Dried thyme and oregano bring a wonderful earthiness. Feel free to swap them for herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning. Using fresh herbs? You can use about three times the amount required for dried.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a lovely salty finish. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Grated Pecorino Romano is also a great substitute if you want something a bit different.
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Cook Evenly?
Getting perfectly roasted sweet potatoes can be tricky, but following a few simple steps can make a big difference. It’s crucial to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Here’s how:
- Make sure the pieces are about 1-inch in size. This helps them roast through without burning.
- Toss them in the bowl to ensure they are fully coated with oil and spices. This not only adds flavor but helps with browning.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting!
- Halfway through cooking, stir them to promote even browning and cooking.
- Use the oven thermometer to double-check your oven’s temperature—it can be off sometimes!
Following these tips will help you achieve delicious, evenly cooked sweet potatoes every time! Enjoy this dish warm and delicious!
How to Make Savory Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll have these savory sweet potatoes ready in about 50 minutes, perfect for a tasty addition to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easier later on.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss together the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the sweet potatoes are well coated with the oil and spices—this will give them a wonderful flavor!
3. Spread and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. Now it’s time to roast them in the oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through so they get nicely golden and tender.
4. Add Parmesan:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and golden, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sweet potatoes. Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and become a little crispy. Yum!
5. Garnish and Serve:
After removing the sweet potatoes from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Finish off by garnishing with some fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Now, they’re ready to serve!
Enjoy your savory sweet potatoes! They’re a delightful addition to any meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack.
Can I Use Different Herbs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the thyme and oregano for other herbs such as rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning based on your preference. Just remember that fresh herbs will have a stronger flavor, so use about three times the amount if you’re opting for fresh instead of dried.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute with other cheese options like mozzarella, cheddar, or crumbled feta for a different twist. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can chop and season the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before roasting. Alternatively, you can roast them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving, but they may lose some crispiness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them as crispy as possible, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
