These garlic butter roasted sweet potatoes are a tasty side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Their sweet and savory flavor makes them really special!
You can’t go wrong with garlic and butter, right? It’s like a hug for your taste buds! I love to serve these up with a sprinkle of parsley for some color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try using butternut squash or regular potatoes. They won’t have the same sweetness, but they’ll still roast beautifully!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here, allowing you to control the salt level better. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or coconut oil. If you like a buttery flavor, consider using vegan butter or ghee.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder—about 1/2 teaspoon should suffice, but fresh is always best! For a milder taste, try using roasted garlic.
Paprika: This is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor. You can swap it with cayenne pepper for heat or omit it altogether for a more straightforward taste.
How Can You Get Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is all about getting that golden, crispy edge while keeping the inside tender. Follow these tips to ensure success:
- Uniform Cutting: Cut your sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick rounds for even cooking. The same thickness helps all pieces roast at the same rate.
- Don’t Skip the Flipping: Flipping them halfway through ensures that both sides get crispy and brown. It’s like giving each piece a turn at the grill!
- Check for Doneness: Besides looking for golden edges, you can easily check by poking with a fork. It should slide in smoothly when they’re ready.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious garlic butter roasted sweet potatoes in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup later on!
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, add the unsalted butter. Melt it over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant but be careful not to burn it. Once ready, remove from heat.
3. Toss the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato rounds with the melted garlic butter. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if you like that extra kick!). Toss everything together well so that all the sweet potato pieces are nicely coated in the buttery goodness.
4. Arrange and Roast:
Spread the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded so they can roast evenly. Pop them in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown beautifully. They are done when they’re tender and golden at the edges.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once roasted, take the sweet potatoes out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lovely pop of color and flavor. Enjoy them warm as a delightful side dish or a healthy snack!
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can replace the butter with olive oil. Use the same amount (1/2 cup) and toss it with the garlic in the same way. This will give a lovely flavor while keeping the dish healthier!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes and toss them in the garlic mixture up to a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to roast, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven if taken directly from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to help them regain their crispiness.
What Other Seasonings Can I Use?
You can customize the seasoning to your taste! Consider adding cumin or chili powder for a spicy kick, or even cinnamon for a sweet, aromatic twist. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices!
