If you’re searching for a side dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes! This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a delightfully crisp, golden treat with tender centers and irresistibly crunchy edges. With a sprinkle of smoky spices and a finishing touch of fresh herbs, every bite is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spice. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes lies in how a handful of simple ingredients create such impressive flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, so don’t skip a thing!
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose small, evenly sized sweet potatoes—they’ll cook quickly and smash perfectly for maximum crispiness.
- Olive Oil: This ensures the potatoes roast up with beautifully golden, crisp edges; don’t be shy here!
- Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory note that pairs so well with sweet potatoes’ natural sugars.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky depth and vibrant color to every bite.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that keeps each mouthful interesting.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green at the end offers freshness and a pop of color.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional): For that chef’s kiss finish, a final dusting adds crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by placing your sweet potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily. This step is all about making the potatoes nice and tender, so they’ll smash without falling apart.
Step 2: Prep and Smash
Once your sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool just enough to handle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange the potatoes on the sheet. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press each potato down until it’s flattened but still in one piece. The more craggy edges, the crispier the result!
Step 3: Season and Oil
Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil, making sure to coat all those nooks and crannies. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens—olive oil helps everything crisp up, while the spices infuse each bite with flavor.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy
Pop the pan into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are deeply golden and irresistibly crisp. If you like your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes extra crunchy, brush them with a bit more olive oil after smashing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the potatoes come out of the oven, shower them with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor and crunch. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
The right garnish can elevate Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes from great to unforgettable. Try a scatter of fresh parsley, a dusting of flaky sea salt, or even a little grated lemon zest for brightness. For extra richness, a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a swirl of spicy aioli on the side is always a hit.
Side Dishes
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are deliciously versatile. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or your favorite plant-based protein. They’re also perfect with salads or hearty grain bowls. Their sweet-savory flavor pairs beautifully with just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, lay out a toppings bar with crumbled feta, chopped chives, toasted seeds, or even a drizzle of hot honey. Want to up the wow factor for a dinner party? Stack the potatoes artfully on a platter and finish with a final flourish of fresh herbs. If you’re feeling playful, turn them into bite-sized appetizers by smashing smaller potatoes and serving with dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing too much of their signature crispiness.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh from the oven, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat straight from frozen for a quick, crispy snack or side dish any time you crave them.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes their crispy edges and ensures they taste just as wonderful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! The smashing and roasting technique works beautifully with baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, though the flavor will be less sweet. Feel free to adapt the seasonings to suit your tastes.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
No need! The skins add extra texture and nutrients. Just give them a good scrub before boiling, and they’ll be perfect for smashing.
Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?
Make sure to coat them generously with olive oil, and don’t overcrowd the pan—air circulation is key. Also, roasting at a high temperature (425°F) is essential for that signature crunch.
Can I make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
You can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then roast them just before serving. This makes entertaining a breeze and ensures they’re piping hot and crispy when you bring them to the table.
What dips go well with Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes?
They’re delicious with classic sour cream, Greek yogurt, spicy aioli, or even a tangy vinaigrette. For a sweet-savory combo, try a drizzle of maple syrup or hot honey!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making and sharing a batch of Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes. They’re simple, stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try at your next meal—you just might find they become a new favorite at your table!
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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that combines tender boiled sweet potatoes with a crispy roasted finish. Seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, they make a perfect vegetarian and gluten-free accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds small sweet potatoes
Seasonings & Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are fork tender.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Arrange and Smash: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potatoes on it. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each sweet potato until flattened but still intact.
- Season: Drizzle the smashed potatoes evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast: Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Roast until the edges turn crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and flaky sea salt if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brush the potatoes with a bit more olive oil after smashing.
- These smashed sweet potatoes pair well with sour cream, Greek yogurt dip, or a spicy aioli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
