Learn how to make the best ever Roasted Sweet Potatoes in the oven. With this easy roasted sweet potatoes recipe, you will get a crispy caramelized exterior and a soft irresistible interior. The seasonings add a perfect savory accent to these!
In the hierarchy of side dishes, perfectly roasted chunks of pillowy sweet potato will forever sit at the top of my list. Perfectly roasted cubes with a creamy center and golden, caramelized and crispy edges. So irresistible you can’t help but sneak them straight off the sheet pan, gladly risking burning both your fingertips and tongue.
This roasted sweet potatoes recipe is one I've been making for years, for myself and pretty much every time I have guests over for brunch or dinner and it's always a big hit!! I've yet to meet someone who doesn't like them!
Baked sweet potatoes are just the most incredible side dish ready to be served with absolutely anything. Whether you prefer them plain with just a sprinkling of salt or like to give them an extra savory twist by adding some garlic, paprika, and oregano, as I do, they’re SO easy to make! There are just a few key steps to success that I will share with you today.
How to make the best roasted sweet potatoes:
Prep: Preheat your oven to 400F/200C degrees. Setting the dial at just 400°F, rather than 425°F or even 450°F, means a slightly longer cook time, BUT it coaxes out even more of the tater's natural sweetness.
How to cut sweet potatoes for roasting:
Step 1 - First, cut the potatoes into 0.8-inch (1.5/2 cm) thick slices.
Step 2 & 3 - Stack two or three slices on top of each other, and cut into three sticks. Rotate and cut into three again to make cubes. Repeat with remaining sweet potatoes.
How to roast sweet potatoes in the oven:
Step 4 - Place cut sweet potatoes in the center on a large baking sheet. Do not spread yet. It’s easier to get all the pieces coated with spices and oil when they are grouped together. Sprinkle with sweet paprika, oregano, garlic, and salt. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 5 - Toss until every piece is well coated. Using your hands for tossing is not only the easiest but also the best way. I know it’s a bit messier than using a wooden spoon or spatula, but those tools simply don’t work as well.
Step 6 - Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. The more room they have the better - it will make them crispier. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes (depending on your oven and the size of the cubes) or until they are soft inside and a bit crispy outside (taste one).
Step 7 - Finish with a few minutes (4-5 minutes) under the broiler to caramelize them further. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn and make sure they are not already too soft inside - you don’t want mushy sweet potatoes. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Serve and enjoy!
Do you need to peel sweet potatoes before roasting?
This is a personal question and really depending on your personal taste. Sweet potato skins are 100% edible and become crispy in the oven while roasting, just like regular potatoes so there is no need to peel them. Plus all the nutrition is in the skin!
You can peel them though if that makes you more comfortable and they will still be absolutely incredible. You can always adjust this recipe to suit your taste. That also goes for the seasonings.
Tips for making the perfect roasted sweet potatoes:
- Remember that cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces ensures they all take the same time to cook.
- Do not skip the oil! A generous drizzle of olive oil helps give the sweet potatoes those gorgeous caramelized, crispy edges.
- Very important: do not crowd the pan. What's pictured is the MAX you should have on the pan. If more needed, match two batches. Each piece not touching is key to crispy caramelized roasted sweet potatoes - otherwise, they will just steam and be soft on the outside.
Variations on this roasted sweet potatoes recipe:
- Instead of oregano, you can use rosemary or thyme (fresh is delicious!)
- Toss the sweet potato cubes with some ground cinnamon before they go into the oven, then add a generous drizzle of honey or maple syrup about halfway through the cooking time, and you’ll have a batch of healthy vegetables that tastes like nature's candy.
- Smoky aromas like ground cumin, smoked Spanish paprika, and chili powder also make a perfect pairing - especially if you are planning on using these as a tacos filling.
- You could use onion powder instead of garlic powder if you're not a fan of garlic.
What to serve with roasted sweet potatoes:
- Drizzle them with tahini sauce, cashew cream or any other sauce.
- These are delicious as a filling yet healthy side with just about any meat or fish.
- They are perfect for breakfast/brunch with sunny side up eggs. Place the eggs on top of the sweet potatoes so the yolk can dribble on them, so good! You can also serve them alongside scrambled eggs.
- Use them as a topping for your favorite bowls or mix them into a quinoa salad.
- They make a great filling for vegan tacos or wraps.
The best Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Learn how to make the best ever Roasted Sweet Potatoes in the oven. With this easy recipe, you will get a crispy caramelized exterior and a soft irresistible interior. The seasonings add a perfect savory accent to these! The best simple side dish - vegan and clean eating approved.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes skin on (or two large)
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400F/200C degrees.
-
Cut the sweet potatoes. First, cut into XX-inch (1.5/2 cm) thick slices. Stack two or three slices on top of each other, and cut into three sticks. Rotate and cut into three again to make cubes (check the step by step pictures in the post if it’s not clear). Repeat with remaining sweet potatoes.
-
Place cut sweet potatoes in the center on a large baking sheet. Do not spread yet (It’s easier to get all the pieces coated with spices and oil when they are grouped together). Sprinkle with sweet paprika, oregano, garlic and salt. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss until every piece is well coated (using your hands is the easiest way).
-
Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. The more room they have the better - it will make them crispier.
-
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes (depending on your oven and the size of the cubes) or until they are soft inside and a bit crispy outside (taste one). Finish with a few minutes (4-5 minutes) under the broiler to caramelize them further (keep an eye on them so they don’t burn and make sure they are not already too soft inside - you don’t want mushy sweet potatoes!). Taste and season with more salt if needed. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Remember that cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces ensures they all take the same time to cook.
- Do not skip the oil! A generous drizzle of olive oil helps give the sweet potatoes those gorgeous caramelized, crispy edges.
- Very important: do not crowd the pan. What's pictured is the MAX you should have on the pan. If more needed, match two batches. Each piece not touching is key to crispy caramelized roasted sweet potatoes - otherwise, they will just steam and be soft on the outside.
If you tried this Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!
Suzy
One of our favorite side dishes! We love how tasty they are and how quickly they bake up!
Erika
I'm always looking for new ways to cook sweet potatoes, so I need to try this!
Kelly Anthony
I love sweet potatoes cooked any way but roasted are my favorite. This recipe will be a favorite at our house.
Jen
Before this recipe I could never nail these. Love them now.
Sapana
I love roasted sweet potatoes - they literally go with anything. Such a delicious recipe!
Alex
Thank you for posting this recipe.
Emily
What is the white sauce on the potatoes that’s shown in the photo?
Marie
It's my Tahini Sauce/Dressingg (click for the recipe!)
Henrietta
So good and simple! I used smoked paprika instead of sweet and it came out amazing.
Marie
So happy to hear Henrietta!
Misty Wicklund
If I decide to go the cinnamon and honey route, do I still use the olive oil and herbs?
This looks delicious! Looking to make this for Thanksgiving in a sweet version!
Marie
Definitely use the oil (you may want to use a light tasting olive oil or another neutral oil like avocado oil). As for the herbs, it's really up to you and your taste. I think the mix of "sweet" and "savory" flavors would be lovely but it's not for everyone. If you don't want to take risks with your guests, you can leave them out.
Kimberly Heinrich
WOW! Just WOW! Made these tonight and it was as if a symphony was taking place in my mouth! The flavors were rich, delicious and although my tummy was full, my mouth wanted more! My husband found them just as delicious! And, can a recipe be more simple? Will definitely make these again soon.
Marie
That makes me super happy! Enjoy Kimberley!
Monica
This dish was SO delicious and super easy! We had it with dinner one night and with a fried egg on top for brunch the next day. My sweet potato hating teenager liked them so much, she keeps asking when we are having them again.
Marie
Makes me super happy! Thanks for sharing!
Alison
This is probably a dumb question but can I cut the potatoes the night before and store in the fridge? Thanks!
Marie
Totally! That should work. Just make sure to store them air-tight so they don't dry out too much