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The Ultimate Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy Edges, Tender Inside

A white bowl filled with perfectly caramelized and slightly charred roasted sweet potatoes cubes.

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Learn the best technique for oven roasted sweet potatoes that achieve caramelized edges and a soft center. This simple recipe includes instructions for both savory Garlic Herb and sweet Maple Cinnamon variations, making it the perfect easy sweet potato side dish for any dinner or holiday.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for savory version)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, for savory version)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for savory version)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for sweet version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sweet version)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This step helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
  3. Divide the potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if necessary. Crowding steams the potatoes instead of roasting them.
  4. Roast for 20 minutes.
  5. While the potatoes roast, prepare your seasoning variation:
  6. For Savory Garlic Parmesan: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and rosemary.
  7. For Sweet Maple Cinnamon: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the maple syrup and cinnamon.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven. Toss them gently.
  9. If using the savory mix, toss the potatoes with the garlic Parmesan mixture. If using the sweet mix, drizzle the maple cinnamon mixture over the potatoes and toss.
  10. Return the potatoes to the oven and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown, caramelized on the edges, and fork-tender inside.
  11. Taste and add the remaining salt and pepper if needed before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest roasted sweet potatoes, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F before the potatoes go in.
  • If you want a vegan roasted sweet potatoes option, skip the Parmesan cheese in the savory variation.
  • This recipe works well as a gluten free sweet potato side.
  • For a quick vegetable side recipes approach, you can cut the potatoes the night before and store them in water in the refrigerator.

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