Sweet potato peel is edible and can be left on or removed depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on adds fiber and gives the sweet potatoes a slightly different look.<\/p>" } } , { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Yes, any type of sweetener can be used in these sweet potatoes, or even omitted if you like, but the potatoes won’t have the same caramelized color. <\/p>" } } ] } ] } ]

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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A touch of sugar and high heat makes these the best simple sweet potatoes.

Renu Dhar

Published on November 22, 2024

Tested by

Julia Levy

Sheet Pan Roasted Sweet Potatoes — Photo:
Food & Wine / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

The ways you can serve roasted sweet potatoes are endless. They can be a versatile side dish to roast chicken, flat-iron steak, and seared fish, tucked into salads, tacos, and burritos, or even stirred into fried rice and frittatas. However you eat them, this method for roasting them on the top rack of your oven at a high heat with just a touch of sugar ensures you have perfectly tender and slightly caramelized sweet potatoes. Since these sweet potatoes are so flexible, you might even want to make a double batch. Eat one for dinner tonight and freeze the rest in portions for a quick reheat to top your next grain bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Sweet potato peel is edible and can be left on or removed depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on adds fiber and gives the sweet potatoes a slightly different look.
Can you swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup?

Yes, any type of sweetener can be used in these sweet potatoes, or even omitted if you like, but the potatoes won’t have the same caramelized color.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Be sure the sweet potatoes are in a single layer with a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly on all sides instead of steaming in the oven.

Make ahead

Refrigerate cooked sweet potatoes for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

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Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in upper third position.
Stir together sweet potatoes, oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet until potatoes are evenly coated; spread into an even layer. Bake on upper rack until crisp and golden brown, about 35 minutes, rotating pan front to back and gently flipping potatoes during last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper, if using.