Sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness and velvety texture, are already a crowd-pleasing favorite. Add roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of seasoning, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet flavor-packed side dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday dinner or just sprucing up a weeknight meal, these roasted garlic and herb sweet potatoes are guaranteed to shine. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oozing with garlic-herb goodness, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients to pull this dish together:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted whole for a mellow, caramelized flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures your sweet potatoes get crispy and caramelized. Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. By keeping the pieces fairly consistent in size, you’ll get an even roast.
Step 2: Season Everything
Place the sweet potato cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, making sure each piece gets a light, even coat. Add your minced garlic (or whole roasted cloves if you prefer a milder taste), thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are well coated with the herb-garlic mixture.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a shiny layer of aluminum foil to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes out in a single layer—crowding them will lead to steaming rather than roasting, so leave a little space between each piece.
Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the sweet potato cubes halfway through. The result should be gorgeously golden cubes with crispy, caramelized edges and tender centers. If you like extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your sweet potatoes with freshly chopped parsley or a pinch more rosemary for brightness. Feeling indulgent? A light dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of melted butter takes this dish to the next level. For a zesty twist, add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice!
Tips for Serving and Customizing
These roasted garlic and herb sweet potatoes are insanely versatile. Here’s how you can make them perfect for any occasion:
Pairing Options
- Serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even pan-seared salmon.
- For a vegetarian option, pair them with a hearty grain bowl or a fresh green salad.
Customizing the Flavor
- Like some spice? Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Switch up the herbs with whatever you have on hand—sage, oregano, or even a pre-mixed Italian seasoning works wonders.
- Swap olive oil for melted coconut oil for a hint of sweetness, or use ghee for a richer, buttery flavor.
Meal Prep Magic
- Double the batch and save leftovers for meal prep! These reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, retaining their crisp, aromatic charm.
- Toss them into a breakfast hash with eggs, or serve them as a base for a savory sweet potato bowl topped with greens and a poached egg.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe hits that magical trifecta of being easy to make, insanely tasty, and super versatile. The sweet potatoes caramelize to perfection while the herbs and roasted garlic infuse every bite. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have your dinner guests asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe!
Give these roasted garlic and herb sweet potatoes a try, and watch them quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
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