If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s both eye-catching and irresistibly delicious, look no further than Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Bursting with natural sweetness and boasting golden, crunchy edges, these sweet potatoes are a textural dream and a feast for the senses. The simple combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and olive oil accentuates the vibrant flavor of the potatoes, while a final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness. Whether you serve them alongside dinner or as a snack for a crowd, this dish always gets rave reviews and will quickly become a staple at your table!

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes is how few ingredients it takes to create something so show-stopping. Each component has a real role to play, from bringing out the potatoes’ natural sweetness to adding a layer of zesty flavor and crunch.

Sweet potatoes: Choose small to medium sweet potatoes; their skin crisps up beautifully and they smash perfectly.
Olive oil: Helps each potato crisp up in the oven while giving a subtle, savory note.
Garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic flavor without overwhelming the sweet potatoes’ natural taste.
Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smoky depth and gorgeous color to every bite.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweet potatoes even more crave-worthy.
Black pepper: Offers a mild kick that balances out the sweetness.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brightens up the finished dish and delivers a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the sweet potatoes won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Prepping your oven and tray ahead of time means you can move quickly from stovetop to smash station!

Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Give your sweet potatoes a gentle scrub and place them in a large pot. Cover them completely with water and bring it all to a boil. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to smash, but not so mushy they fall apart, so start checking at the 20-minute mark.

Step 3: Drain and Cool

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, drain them and let them cool just until you can handle them easily. Don’t cool them too long; smashing works best when they’re still a little warm and pliable.

Step 4: Smash!

Place the boiled sweet potatoes on your prepared baking sheet. Using the flat bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press each one down until it’s about half an inch thick. The more nooks and crannies, the crispier those edges get in the oven—so don’t be shy!

Step 5: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle each smashed sweet potato with olive oil, making sure to get some into the cracks and crevices. Then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning blend is what takes these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes from good to unforgettable.

Step 6: Roast and Crisp

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through so both sides get nicely crisp. If you love that ultra-crunchy finish, give them a quick broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes—but keep a close eye so they don’t burn!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are gorgeously golden and crisp, sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley. This optional garnish brings a lovely burst of vibrant color and a little extra zip. Serve right away while they’re hot and crunchy!

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can make your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes shine even brighter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a handful of chives, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt will add color and boost the flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of honey can take things in a totally new (and delicious) direction.

Side Dishes

These sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile, so they pair beautifully with a wide array of mains. Serve them with roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty lentil salad for a balanced meal. Their natural sweetness and crunchy bite make a wonderful contrast to savory proteins.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine when serving Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Arrange them on a platter with dollops of Greek yogurt or herb dip, or stack them in a rustic pile for a more casual vibe. They also make the perfect base for canapés—top with smoked salmon or whipped feta for impressive party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (don’t be surprised if they all vanish), store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy crispy goodness all over again without any loss of flavor.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Let them cool completely, lay them in a single layer on a tray to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month—just know that while the flavor will still be fantastic, the texture may be a bit softer once reheated.

Reheating

To bring back their signature crunch, reheat the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a hot oven (around 400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through and edges have crisped up again. A brief stint under the broiler can rekindle that freshly roasted texture, too.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

No peeling required! Leaving the skin on not only saves time, but it also crisps up beautifully during roasting and packs in extra nutrients and fiber.

Can I use other seasonings or spices?

Absolutely—you can play around with different spice blends to suit your taste. Think cumin, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a subtle, warming twist.

Can I make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil and smash the sweet potatoes a day ahead, then refrigerate them. Just season and roast right before serving to preserve that irresistible crispiness.

Why aren’t my sweet potatoes crispy?

Make sure you’re roasting at a high temperature, not overcrowding the pan, and drizzling enough olive oil. For extra crisp, don’t skip the broiling step at the end!

Are Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a wholesome, satisfying side.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a side that’s equal parts fun and flavorful, it’s time to whip up a batch of Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes. I can promise you—these are the kind of potatoes that disappear in a flash, and you’ll soon be fielding recipe requests from everyone at the table. Enjoy every crisp, golden bite!

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic side dish. Tender sweet potatoes are boiled, smashed, and roasted to crispy perfection with a flavorful blend of seasonings. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes:

1 ½ pounds small to medium sweet potatoes (about 6)

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare sweet potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes, boil until fork-tender, drain, and cool slightly.
Smash the potatoes: Transfer sweet potatoes to the baking sheet and gently smash each one to about ½ inch thick.
Season and roast: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the sweet potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
You can customize with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American