Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There is something completely irresistible about Smashed Sweet Potatoes: creamy on the inside, outrageously golden and crispy on the outside—all laced with parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs. This is one of those recipes that brings joy to any dinner table, whether you’re roasting up a cozy weeknight meal or serving something extra special for the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of kitchen staples to achieve magic with these Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Each ingredient truly shines—contributing extra crunch, vibrant color, and layers of savory flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

• Olive oil: Helps the sweet potatoes develop those gorgeous golden edges and prevents sticking on the pan.
• Sweet potatoes: Look for long, firm sweet potatoes; slicing into rounds makes them perfect for smashing.
• Salt: Sprinkled in the water and on top, it amplifies all the natural sweetness and earthiness.
• Melted butter: Provides the rich, decadent coating that turns the potatoes practically nutty as they bake.
• Italian seasoning: Lends a fragrant, herby punch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Grated fresh garlic infuses each bite—you don’t want to skip it!
• Black pepper & crushed red pepper: For that gentle pop of heat and depth of flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it crisps up and adds the perfect salty finish.

Variations

Smashed Sweet Potatoes are practically a blank canvas for toppings, seasonings, and sauces, so you can customize them to match your mood or what’s in your pantry. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe uniquely your own.

• Vegan-friendly: Swap melted butter for extra olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use vegan parmesan to keep them fully dairy-free.
• Spicy honey drizzle: Finish with a swirl of hot honey right after baking for a sweet-heat twist that’s next-level.
• Herb explosion: Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives on top just before serving for a garden-fresh lift.
• Loaded Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Pile on green onions, crisp bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream for a hearty, crowd-pleasing finish.

How to Make Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheets & Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 450˚F and brushing two large rimmed baking sheets with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps those little rounds crisp up beautifully and ensures they don’t stick. Next, slice your cleaned sweet potatoes into 1-inch-thick rounds—a thick cut gives you the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.

Step 2: Parboil the Sweet Potato Rounds

Add your rounds to a big pot, pour in enough cold water to cover by an inch, and stir in 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring everything to a boil, and cook for about 5 minutes—just enough to make them fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well and arrange the rounds on your oiled pans.

Step 3: Make the Herby Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the remaining salt, Italian seasoning, grated garlic, black pepper, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Give it a little stir—and don’t be shy, that buttery mixture is pure flavor in every drop.

Step 4: Coat and Smash the Potatoes

Pour the herby butter mixture all over the sweet potato rounds. Use your hands or a silicone spatula to make sure each slice is nicely glazed, then use the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup to gently smash each round. Go for about ½ inch thick—just enough that they’ll crisp, but still hold together.

Step 5: Add Parmesan & Bake

Scatter plenty of grated parmesan over the smashed sweet potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes, making sure to rotate the pans from top to bottom and front to back halfway through. This ensures even browning and maximizes the crunch factor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

When they’re deeply golden and the parmesan is bubbling and crisp, pull the pans from the oven. Let your Smashed Sweet Potatoes cool for just a minute so they set up, then dig in while they’re fresh and hot.

How to Serve Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

These Smashed Sweet Potatoes love a little extra flourish! Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color, a little extra parmesan for even more crunch, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for tangy-sweet contrast. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top when hot out of the oven takes them truly over the top!

Side Dishes

Smashed Sweet Potatoes go with almost anything! Serve them alongside roast chicken, steak, salmon, or even your favorite veggie burgers. They also shine at holiday tables next to turkey and warm salads, or as a hearty snack with a dipping sauce like herbed yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or hosting a dinner party, arrange the smashed rounds overlapping slightly on a big platter and finish with a colorful garnish. Or try serving them family-style on a wooden board with little bowls of toppings (crumbled feta, toasted nuts, hot honey) so everyone can make their own masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (seriously, they disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The outsides may soften, but the flavor becomes even more developed.

Freezing

Smashed Sweet Potatoes actually freeze better than you’d think! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just know they’ll be a little softer but just as tasty when reheated.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover Smashed Sweet Potatoes in a 400˚F oven or an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. The edges will re-crisp and the centers stay creamy! The microwave also works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope these Smashed Sweet Potatoes become as much of a staple in your kitchen as they are in mine—there’s just nothing quite like sharing something this delicious and soul-warming. Whether dressed up for a holiday or made simple on a weeknight, they’re guaranteed to add a little extra joy to your table. Give them a try and watch everyone come back for more!

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