Roasted Sweet Potatoes are an easy and delicious side for any meal! More delicious than regular French fries and are a great healthy lunch, snack or side.
Original post: February 2017 | Updated: November 2020
I’ve enjoyed potatoes my entire life, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered my favorite way to enjoy them. There is something about roasting potatoes, especially sweet potatoes, that is so indescribably delicious.
I tell my boys all the time that roasted sweet potatoes taste better than candy (they don’t agree..yet). Plus they’re just so easy to make.
Every time I roast a batch I make it a big one because they go well with just about everything. I add some to my salads and enjoy the rest as a snack or a side with meals throughout the week. They never last long in my fridge.
HOW TO MAKE ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
STEP 1
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Peel 3 potatoes and cut them into cubes. Add them to a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
STEP 2
Drizzle olive oil over top and toss to coat. Top with sea salt and pepper. Cook for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes or so to avoid burning.
RECIPE NOTES: ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
- Use a large baking sheet so the potatoes are able to be spread into a single layer. If they get piled on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly.
- I love the simplicity of the ingredient list, but this just means there is room to experiment with flavor! Consider adding chili powder, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, paprika or your own personal favorite herbs or seasonings.
- Replace the olive oil with coconut oil to mix up the flavor!
- This recipe is a great side dish for family dinner, but don’t overlook it on holidays! Any holiday meal would be better with these on the table.
HOW TO ROAST POTATOES QUICKLY
There’s really no way to speed up the process of roasting, but by limiting the number of times you open your oven they will roast as quickly as possible. I also recommend never roasting above 425 degrees F, as burning is likely to occur.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWEET POTATOES AND YAMS
I was confused for so many years after cutting into a sweet potato only to find white flesh. Was it really a sweet potato or was it a yam? It is rare to find an actual yam in a U.S. grocery store. What you are seeing when you go to the store are two varieties of sweet potatoes. Crazy, right?!
What is labeled “yam” at the store is actually a sweet potato with brown skin and dark orange flesh. What is labeled “sweet potato” at the store is a sweet potato with lighter skin and also lighter flesh. This variety is more firm in texture and not as fluffy when cooked.
When you purchase sweet potatoes for this recipe, you will want to purchase the “yam” variety! No more potato confusion, phew!
What To Serve With Sweet Potatoes
In need of ideas about what to serve alongside this tasty orange food? Check out this roundup of 20 delicious ideas: what to serve with sweet potatoes.
HOW MANY CARBS IN A SWEET POTATO
There are approximately 25 g of carbohydrates in a 5-inch long sweet potato, making them about 10 g less than a regular potato of the same size.
HOW MANY CALORIES IN A SWEET POTATO
There are approximately 110 calories in a 5-inch long sweet potato, making them about 50 calories less than a regular potato of the same size.
ARE SWEET POTATOES GOOD FOR YOU?
Sweet potatoes are VERY good for you and they are packed with nutrients and vitamins. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C and magnesium. They are also low in calories and can contribute to having a healthy gut!
OTHER DELICIOUS POTATO RECIPES
If you can’t get enough of the tuberous root vegetable, check out these delicious recipes:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Add sweet potatoes to baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle olive oil over top and toss to coat. Top with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use a large baking sheet so the potatoes are able to be spread into a single layer. If they get piled on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly.
- I love the simplicity of the ingredient list, but this just means there is room to experiment with flavor! Consider adding chili powder, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, paprika or your own personal favorite herbs or seasonings.
- Replace the olive oil with coconut oil to mix up the flavor!
- This recipe is a great side dish for family dinner, but don’t overlook it on holidays! Any holiday meal would be better with these on the table.
Yum!