Description
These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes offer an irresistibly crunchy texture paired with smoky paprika and garlic flavors. Quick to prepare and perfect as a healthy vegan and gluten-free side dish, they combine boiling and baking techniques to achieve a crisp outer layer while maintaining tender insides.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds small or medium sweet potatoes (scrubbed)
Seasoning and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to crisp your potatoes into perfection.
- Boil the sweet potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole sweet potatoes and cook for 20–25 minutes until they are fork-tender, indicating softness inside.
- Drain and cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle during smashing.
- Prepare baking sheet and smash potatoes: Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Place the sweet potatoes on it, then using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press each potato until it’s about ½-inch thick, creating a smashed shape that exposes more surface area for crispiness.
- Season and oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using, to add vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Bake until crispy: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Flip the potatoes once halfway through baking to ensure even browning and crisp edges.
- Optional broiling for extra crispiness: For an enhanced crunch, broil the potatoes for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired and serve warm. These make a great accompaniment with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot honey.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the smashed potatoes for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Delicious served with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or drizzled with hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and roast them just before serving to save preparation time.
