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Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Firm yet tender veg is simply a matter of getting the quantity, time, and temperature right—and this roasted sweet potato recipe has all three.
Roasted sweet potatoes recipe on display in bowl.
Alex Lau

Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published on November 12, 2015.

We could never get tired of this roasted sweet potatoes recipe. Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile as a side dish for whatever protein you’re serving, or as an add-on to salads so you stay satisfied for longer. What’s more, they’re easy to prepare and knock out of the park when you follow this straightforward recipe. Cutting the sweet potatoes into large pieces before roasting cuts down on cook time while also allowing each piece to caramelize but stay creamy on the inside. You can stick with salt and pepper, but this method is a blank slate for adding other flavors, too. Try tossing 2 tsp. ground spices such as cumin or coriander, or blend such as za’atar, berbere, or chili powder with the potatoes along with salt and pepper before sliding them into the oven.

One word of caution: The natural sugars in sweet potatoes mean they can brown very quickly depending on your oven setup, so keep an eye out and toss them occasionally to make sure they don’t burn. Bake them this way once and roasted sweet potatoes are sure to become a staple on your table.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 to 6 Servings

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1½-inch pieces
¼ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°. Toss potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.

    Step 2

    Roast, tossing occasionally, until tender and browned, 35–45 minutes.

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