Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of combining the creamy texture of a sweet potato with a crispy, savory finish, then these Smashed Sweet Potatoes are about to be your new go-to recipe! This dish brings together the comforting sweetness of sweet potatoes with a flavorful herb and cheese crust, making it a must-try for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Crispy: The high-heat oven baking ensures a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
  • Flavorful Combination: The mix of Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan gives each bite a burst of taste.
  • Easy Prep: Only a few simple steps needed to turn basic ingredients into a gourmet-style dish.
  • Versatile Dish: Great as a main attraction or a delightful side, matching with various proteins and greens.
Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is both simple and quick. Each element plays an essential role in bringing out the delightful flavors and textures of these Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why it matters.

  • Olive Oil: Used for preparing the baking sheets, ensuring your potatoes don’t stick and get a nice crispy finish.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Thinner varieties work best for even cooking and are easy to smash.
  • Salt: Divided for seasoning the water AND the final dish; it’s the fine detail that enhances all the flavors.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the potatoes.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
  • Garlic: Freshly grated garlic for an aromatic punch.
  • Black Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper: These add just enough spice to balance the sweetness.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a cheesy, savory touch of umami.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to customize these Smashed Sweet Potatoes to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are some delightful variations that keep the dish exciting every time you make it.

  • Herb Swap: Try using fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different herbal profile.
  • Cheese Change: Replace Parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
  • Spicy Smack: Add cayenne pepper for those who love an extra spicy kick.

How to Make Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to a hot 450˚F and prepare your baking sheets with a thin coating of olive oil. This initial step ensures an ideal temperature and non-stick surface, crucial for achieving that desirable crispy finish on your sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Add the sweet potatoes to a large pot, cover them with water, and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, and let them cook for about 5 minutes until just fork-tender. This pre-cooking step softens the interior while preserving their shape for smashing.

Step 3: Smash and Season

Once boiled, arrange the potatoes on the baking sheet and make sure they’re dry. Prepare your flavor-packed butter mixture and pour over the potatoes. Use the bottom of a glass to gently smash each one, enhancing the surface area for a crispy crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfection

Sprinkle Parmesan over the top and bake, rotating the sheets half-way through for an even bake. The result is a crunchy, golden top with a soft center—utterly irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Smashed Sweet Potatoes

  • Perfect Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve crispiness.
  • Even Smasher: Aim for the potatoes to be smashed to a uniform thickness for consistent baking.
  • Cheese Magic: Wait until immediately before baking to add the Parmesan for the best crust.
  • Timing Tip: Adjust baking time based on the size of your potato rounds for best results.

How to Serve Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dress up your Smashed Sweet Potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra freshness. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a sweet tangy finish.

Side Dishes

These delightful potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or a fresh green salad. Consider serving them alongside steamed asparagus or grilled bell peppers for a vibrant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, stack them in a pyramid or place them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies. They’re sure to impress your guests before they even take a bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making a great quick lunch option.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze these, do so pre-baking. Smash them, add seasoning, and freeze in a single layer. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 400˚F until they’re crisped back up, or pop them under a broiler for a couple of minutes each side.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

    Yes, regular potatoes can be used, though the dish will have a different flavor profile. Adjust seasoning based on preference.

  2. Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?

    No, the skins become tender during cooking and add texture and nutrition to the dish.

  3. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

    Mix your own using a blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme for a similar effect.

  4. How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?

    Ensure your baking sheets are well-coated with olive oil and hot before adding the potatoes to aid in achieving a non-stick result.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, Smashed Sweet Potatoes offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a new favorite at your table!

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Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 260 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and crispy roasted side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes that are seasoned, smashed, and baked to perfection with melted butter, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Potatoes

  • 4 long sweet potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 1-inch-thick rounds

For the Seasoning and Topping

  • Olive oil as needed, for brushing
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450˚F (230˚C). Brush two large rimmed baking sheets with a thin layer of olive oil and set aside.
  2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato rounds into a large pot, cover with cold water by 1 inch, add 2 teaspoons salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
  3. Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, remaining salt, Italian seasoning, grated garlic, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
  4. Season and Smash: Pour the butter mixture over the sweet potatoes, tossing gently to coat evenly. Use the bottom of a cup or glass to carefully smash the potatoes flat.
  5. Bake and Rotate: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the smashed potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the pans from top to bottom and front to back halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving hot as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

  • Tip: Thinner sweet potato slices are easier to handle and smash properly, making them crispier during baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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