These crispy smashed sweet potatoes are the perfect blend of crunchy and tender. They’re easy to make and bring a pop of color to your table!
Personally, I love how they turn out golden and crispy with just a sprinkle of salt. They make a fun side dish that even kids enjoy munching on. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for medium-sized ones for even cooking. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you could use regular potatoes, but they’ll have a different taste and texture.
Olive Oil: This is ideal for roasting and adds flavor. If you’re looking for a change, avocado oil works well too and has a high smoke point.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme are key for flavor. You can substitute dried thyme with other herbs like rosemary or oregano if you like. Feel free to skip the paprika if you want a milder taste.
Greek Yogurt: This serves as a tasty dip. You can swap it out for sour cream or even a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer. Adding spices or herbs can give it a nice flair!
Honey: It adds a touch of sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup makes a great alternative.
How Do You Make Sure the Sweet Potatoes are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture needs some attention. After roasting the sweet potatoes, smashing them is crucial. Here’s how to nail it:
- Post-roasting, let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, so they are easier to handle without burning your fingers!
- When smashing, get them to about 1/2 inch thick. Thinner means crispier, so don’t hold back!
- Drizzle olive oil thoroughly; this helps crisp up the edges during the final bake. Don’t rush this step; more oil = more crunch!
- Lastly, bake them until they’re golden brown—around 20-25 minutes should do. If they look crispy, pull them out!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For Dipping:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 60-70 minutes cooking time to roast and then bake the sweet potatoes. Simple and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water and dry them with a towel. Place them on a baking sheet and roast them whole in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, until they are fork-tender and the skins look a bit wrinkled.
2. Prepare and Smash:
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, pull them out of the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes until they are safe to handle. Carefully peel off the skins—feel free to leave some skin on for added texture. Arrange the sweet potatoes on a greased baking sheet, with space around each one. Now, use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each sweet potato down to about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Season and Bake Again:
Drizzle the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika (if you want that extra kick), and thyme. Make sure each one is nicely coated. Then, pop them back in the oven to bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the Yogurt Dip:
While your sweet potatoes are baking, mix the Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This will be your delicious dipping sauce!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven and crispy, let them cool a bit before serving. Drizzle the yogurt dip with honey and sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your scrumptious crispy smashed sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular potatoes or Yukon golds for sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Regular potatoes may need a bit more time to roast and achieve that crispy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just make sure it has a similar consistency for dipping. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor!
How to Store Leftover Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes in advance and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, just smash, season, and bake until crispy. This is a great time-saver for meal prep or gatherings!
