Smashed Sweet Potatoes ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 large sweet potatoes (cut into ½ inch rounds); 4 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp sea salt; fresh herbs; roasted garlic cloves (to garnish)

These smashed sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish! Offering a sophisticated twist on traditional sweet potato fries, they are both fast and simple to prepare. The entire process for this recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice. Perfect for accompanying steak, chicken, a vegetarian alternative, or fish. This recipe turns sweet potatoes into a delicious dish with a velvety inside and a delightfully crunchy exterior!

Try these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes too!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Short on prep and cook time, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
You can whip up these smashed sweet potatoes in no time.
Satisfy your cravings without reaching for unhealthy sides.
The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes makes them a perfect comfort food option.
This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
They are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
This side dish is great for many diets, preferences, and lifestyles.
This recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and can be easily made dairy-free and vegan.
Check out these Smashed Potatoes for another favorite side dish recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full smashed sweet potatoes recipe.

Use fresh sweet potatoes that are long. Wash and pat dry. Then, be sure to slice into equal sized, ½ inch rounds. I prefer to keep the skin on because it becomes nice and crispy!

Melted butter adds the classic buttery flavor! If needed, use olive oil or avocado oil.

Season with sea salt and pepper.

Add chopped herbs like cilantro, basil, or thyme for added freshness.

Lastly, top with roasted garlic cloves if desired.

Taste & Texture

The beauty of smashed sweet potatoes lies in the delightful contrast of textures.

The outside skin is crispy. In contrast, the insides are fluffy and buttery.

The main flavors are sweet potatoes and butter!

How to Make

Step 1

First, boil the sweet potato rounds for 10 minutes to soften them. Then, drain and pat dry.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush a rimmed baking pan with melted butter or olive oil.

Step 3

Place each sweet potato round on the pan. Use the bottom of a glass jar or mug to smash each sweet potato.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Brush this herb butter over the top of each sweet potato round.

Step 6

Bake the sweet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have reached your desired level of crispiness.

Step 7

Finally, remove the pan from the oven. If desired, garnish the smashed sweet potatoes with roasted garlic and more herb butter.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips to make the best smashed sweet potatoes.

Choose Uniformly Sized Potatoes: This ensures even cooking. Slice into equal sizes.

Boil Until Just Tender: Avoid over-boiling to maintain the perfect texture for smashing.

Use a Heavy-Duty Baking Sheet: A sturdy pan prevents sticking and ensures even roasting. Use a pan with rimmed edges to prevent spillage.

Broil: Broil the potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes to make them extra crispy!

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Try these flavor variations for your smashed sweet potatoes!

Herbs and Spices: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, or cinnamon for a flavor boost.

Sweet or Savory: Go sweet with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or savory with garlic powder and grated Parmesan.

Crunch Factor: Top with pecans or walnuts in the last few minutes of roasting for added texture.

Heat Things Up: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper can add a welcome kick.

How to Serve & Store

Serving Ideas: These smashed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside your favorite protein, under a poached egg for a hearty breakfast, or as a base for a loaded vegetarian dish.

Storing Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in an air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare smashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate until you're ready to roast.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply use olive oil instead of butter for a delicious vegan option.

Equipment Needed

Large Baking Pans: These large baking pans are great for roasting veggies. They have rimmed edges. In addition, these pans are high quality and easy to clean.

Air Fryer: This recipe can be made in the air fryer. The air fryer makes these potatoes extra crispy!

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