Crispy smashed sweet potatoes are a fun twist on your regular spuds! They’re tender on the inside but super crunchy on the outside, making them hard to resist.
Who doesn’t love a little crunch? I sprinkle some sea salt and maybe a hint of cinnamon for extra yum! They’re great as a side dish or a tasty snack. Enjoying these is like having a mini party on your plate! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, providing sweetness and nutrition. You can use regular potatoes if sweet potatoes are unavailable, but keep in mind they’ll alter the taste and sweetness.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps achieve that crispy texture. Feel free to substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: For convenience, garlic powder is great, but fresh minced garlic offers a stronger flavor. If you’re avoiding garlic, consider onion powder as a substitute.
Paprika: It adds a smoky flavor. You can swap it with smoked paprika for an extra kick or even chili powder for some heat!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both are delicious for topping. If you want a lighter option, try a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream. Plain yogurt works great too!
Honey: This adds a lovely drizzle of sweetness. Maple syrup is a great alternative, especially if you want a vegan option.
How Can I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key to making these smashed sweet potatoes awesome! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by boiling or microwaving the sweet potatoes until they’re soft, which makes for easy smashing.
- Don’t hurry when smashing! Flatten them to about 1/2 inch thickness, being gentle to keep some of the potato intact for that crispy edge.
- Make sure to coat them well with olive oil and seasonings; this helps with browning and adds flavor.
- Flip halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Watch them closely in the last few minutes to avoid overbrowning.
Following these steps will give you that delightful crunch and a wonderful balance of flavors! Enjoy the crispy goodness!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Smashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll spend a bit more time if you choose to boil the sweet potatoes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying crisp and tasty smashed sweet potatoes in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Kitchen:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This will be the cozy spot where your sweet potatoes get nicely crispy!
2. Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well under running water. Then, poke them several times with a fork (this lets steam escape) and pop them in the microwave. Cook on high for about 5-8 minutes until tender. If you prefer, you can also boil them in water until they’re soft. Just make sure they are cool enough to handle afterward!
3. Slicing and Smashing:
Once your sweet potatoes are cooked, you can peel them if you’d like. Then, slice them into thick rounds. Place these slices on your prepared baking sheet, and use a fork or a potato masher to gently smash each piece flat until they’re about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Seasoning:
Drizzle the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give them a gentle toss to ensure each slice is well coated and flavorful. This is where you bring out all those delicious flavors!
5. Baking to Perfection:
Carefully place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the sweet potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be crispy and golden brown at the edges—so keep an eye on them!
6. Serving Your Dish:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and add a drizzle of honey on top if you like a touch of sweetness. Enjoy your crispy smashed sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor, you can use regular potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure they’re tender before smashing.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with melted coconut oil or avocado oil for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that coconut oil will impart a slight coconut taste, which can be delicious!
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the smashed sweet potatoes ahead of time by cooking and smashing them, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. To heat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. You can also use a toaster oven for this!
