If you crave a side dish that’s golden and crackly at the edges, creamy in the center, and positively brimming with warm, savory flavor, you’ll fall head over heels for these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Every bite delivers that irresistible balance of textures, a hit of smokiness from paprika, and a fragrant finish of garlic and herbs. This dish transforms humble sweet potatoes into an absolute showstopper—loved by vegetarians and omnivores alike—whether gracing a holiday table or jazzing up a regular weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes has a job to do—adding flavor, crunch, or a pop of color. Best of all, the list is refreshingly simple: no fuss, just real, recognizable foods that come together in total harmony.
- Sweet Potatoes: Opt for small to medium ones—they cook faster, smash better, and get wonderfully crisp.
- Olive Oil: Essential for that caramelized, crispy edge and helps the spices cling to every nook and cranny.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and that classic, indulgent roasted flavor.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring loads of savory, aromatic energy.
- Salt: Don’t skimp—it makes the other flavors pop and balances the sweetness.
- Black Pepper: For depth and gentle earthy heat.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds color and a warm, smoky undertone you’ll want in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of fresh, herby brightness.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A final flourish for anyone addicted to that crunchy-salty finish.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the scrubbed sweet potatoes and let them cook for 20–25 minutes. You’re aiming for fork-tender, but not mushy—they should hold their shape for smashing later.
Step 2: Cool and Prepare for Smashing
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and let them cool just long enough to handle without burning your fingers. Then, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures nothing sticks.
Step 3: Smash the Sweet Potatoes
Time for the fun part! Grab a sturdy glass or a potato masher, and gently press each sweet potato to about 1/2 inch thickness. You want them flattened but not obliterated; those little cracks and crags will turn ultra crispy in the oven.
Step 4: Flavor Boost – The Magic Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Brush this garlicky goodness generously over each sweet potato. Make sure you get into all those crevices—this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 5: Roast Until Perfectly Crispy
Slide the tray into your hot oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through for even crisping. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges have crisped up and turned a deep golden brown.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, immediately shower your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (if you love that extra crunch). Serve right away for the best texture!
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
A tangle of fresh parsley adds vibrant green color and a bright, herbal lift that plays beautifully against the sweetness and smokiness. For a fancier finish, try a dusting of grated Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, or even a swirl of tangy yogurt.
Side Dishes
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes cozy up beautifully beside just about anything: grilled chicken, seared fish, juicy burgers, or a hearty vegetarian stew. Their balance of crispy edges and tender middles make them the ideal partner for bold mains or simple salads.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile these potatoes on a big platter for a dramatic centerpiece, nestled among extra herbs and maybe some roasted garlic cloves. Or, stack a few with a dollop of herbed aioli for an impressive appetizer. You can even make mini versions as party bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Their crispiness does fade over time, but they still make a tasty snack or quick addition to another meal.
Freezing
While possible, freezing can make the texture a little less snappy. If you go this route, single-layer freeze the potatoes on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month.
Reheating
Re-crisp your potatoes in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and edges crisp up again. A quick pass under the broiler can revive any lingering softness too—just watch closely to avoid scorching.
FAQs
Why do my smashed sweet potatoes fall apart?
If your potatoes are too soft from over-boiling, they can break when you smash down. Aim for just fork-tender, letting them cool slightly before smashing to help them keep their shape.
Can I use regular potatoes instead?
You sure can! While they’ll taste different, the method works beautifully with Yukon golds, baby reds, or fingerling potatoes. The result is still crispy, just with a milder, more savory flavor.
How do I make my Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes extra crispy?
For maximal crunch, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes, and don’t overcrowd the pan—air circulation is key for those crispy bits!
Are these gluten-free and vegetarian?
Absolutely! Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are naturally gluten-free and fully vegetarian, making them a friendly addition to all sorts of diets and gatherings.
What sauces go well with this dish?
Try a drizzle of garlicky yogurt sauce, whipped feta, or spicy aioli. Even the simplest sour cream or a tangy vinaigrette can elevate your sweet potatoes to something extra special.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory flavors and a crispy texture. Easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 lbs small to medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and slightly cool.
- Smash Potatoes: Flatten sweet potatoes with a glass or masher on a baking sheet.
- Prepare Seasoning: Mix olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Brush over sweet potatoes.
- Roast: Roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy and golden, flipping halfway through.
- Finish: Sprinkle with parsley and sea salt before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, preheat the baking sheet in the oven.
- Add grated Parmesan in the last 5 minutes for a cheesy variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
