Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes ~
Roasted sweet potatoes with garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Serve with Vegan Turkey Roast, Mashed Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Holiday Sweet Potato Recipe
Roasted sweet potatoes with garlic, thyme, and parmesan have become one of my go-to holiday side dishes, bringing savory twist to the classic Thanksgiving dish. Unlike the brown sugar-heavy, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole many of us grew up with, this healthy side dish embraces simple, bold flavors that let the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine through.
If you’re looking to switch things up and add a new dimension to your holiday season feast, these roasted sweet potatoes are an easy side dish with lots of savory flavor.
Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes while giving them a crisp, slightly caramelized edge. This makes them a great side dish for the holiday season when rich, hearty dishes reign supreme.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep Time: Cutting the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking, and the whole process from prep to table takes under an hour.
- Savory, Not Sweet: Perfect for those who prefer more savory dishes, this recipe balances sweetness with earthy herbs and salty parmesan.
- Versatile: While ideal for holiday meals, these roasted sweet potatoes can be served with almost any dish year-round. They’re especially great alongside roasted meats, vegetable sides, or hearty casseroles.
Ingredients for Holiday Roasted Sweet Potatoes
You will need the following:
- 5 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 3 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, and I recommend using fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor. You want to avoid any that have soft spots, as they can affect the texture when roasted.
- Olive Oil: This is essential for achieving that golden, crispy edge on the sweet potatoes. It also carries the flavor of the garlic and thyme perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic works best here, adding a bold, pungent flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet potatoes.
- Dried Thyme: You can also use fresh thyme if you prefer, but dried thyme brings a more concentrated flavor and is easier to keep on hand.
- Italian Parsley – The mild earthy flavor of Italian flat-leaf parsley complements the flavor of the roasted potatoes. Curly parsley has a more robust flavor and is not recommended for this recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is a key ingredient, adding a salty, nutty flavor to the dish. If you cannot find finely grated parmesan, you can pulse shredded parmesan in a food processor until it reaches the desired texture.
How to Make Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
STEP ONE: Prep. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes. Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, and thyme, then pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes. Toss to coat evenly with the oil and seasonings.
STEP THREE: Arrange on a Baking Sheet. Arrange the sweet potatoes in an even layer on the baking sheet. Spacing them out ensures the potatoes roast evenly and don’t steam.
STEP FOUR: Roast the Sweet Potatoes. Roast in the preheated oven 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. They’re done when they’re fork-tender and golden brown on the edges. (Exact cooking time will depend on the size of your diced potatoes.)
STEP FIVE: Add Finishing Touches. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the roasted sweet potatoes with parmesan and fresh parsley while they’re still hot. Serve warm or room temperature.
FAQ for Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Can I Make These Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time? Yes, you can make these sweet potatoes a day in advance. Simply roast them as directed and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, then sprinkle with parmesan and parsley before serving.
- Can I Use Different Herbs or Spices? Absolutely! While thyme and parsley give the dish a nice herbal flavor, you can experiment with rosemary, sage, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a different twist. These flavors work well with sweet potatoes, especially for holiday meals.
- How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Extra Crispy? The key to crispy roasted sweet potatoes is spreading them out in a single layer and not overcrowding the pan. You can also increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last few minutes of cooking to achieve extra crispiness.
Frozen vs. Fresh Sweet Potatoes
For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using fresh sweet potatoes in this recipe. Fresh sweet potatoes tend to roast more evenly and hold their shape better than frozen ones, which can release more moisture as they cook, resulting in a soggier dish. However, if you’re in a pinch and need to use frozen sweet potatoes, make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before roasting.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This will help them retain their crispy edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their texture.
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love!
- Brown Gravy
- Garlic Green Beans
- Roasted Vegetable Wellington
- Poblano Cornbread Dressing
- Brown Sugar Pumpkin Pie
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Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 pounds sweet potatoes cut into 1″ cubes
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 3 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 2/3 cups parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, and thyme, then pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes. Toss to coat evenly with the oil and seasonings.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes in an even layer on the baking sheet. Spacing them out ensures the potatoes roast evenly and don’t steam.
- Roast in the preheated oven 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. They’re done when they’re fork-tender and golden brown on the edges. (Exact cooking time will depend on the size of your diced potatoes.)
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the roasted sweet potatoes with parmesan and fresh parsley while they’re still hot. Serve warm or room temperature.
Nutrition
Updated September 25, 2024.
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