These Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy. Roasted to perfection, they have a hint of heat from chili and a sweet touch from honey, brightened by zesty lime juice!
They make a great side dish or snack. I love munching on them while watching a movie; it makes me feel cozy and warm. Give them a try, and I bet you’ll be back for seconds! 😋
Making these is super easy! Just toss the sweet potatoes in oil, honey, and spices, roast them, and squeeze fresh lime over top. The colors and flavors are sure to brighten your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! I recommend using large, firm sweet potatoes. If you can’t find any, butternut squash can be a good substitute for a similar sweetness and texture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for richness, but you can swap it for other oils like avocado or canola oil if you want a lighter flavor.
Honey: This adds a lovely sweetness. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave syrup can work as a great substitute.
Chili Powder: Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you want a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika. For more heat, consider cayenne pepper.
Lime Juice: The fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice makes a good alternative.
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Scored Sweet Potatoes?
Scoring the sweet potatoes allows the glaze to infuse the flavor deeply, enhancing the dish. Here’s how to do it:
- After halving the sweet potatoes, lay each half cut-side up.
- Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern, about 1 inch apart.
- Be careful not to cut through the skin; this will keep the sweet potatoes intact while cooking.
This technique not only helps with flavor but also makes your sweet potatoes look gourmet. Happy cooking!
How to Make Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Juice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to roast in the oven, for a total time of about 40 minutes. You’ll enjoy the warm, sweet, and spicy flavors in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when the sweet potatoes are ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Give your sweet potatoes a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a towel. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, and then score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern. Be careful not to cut through the skin—this will help the glaze soak in!
3. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This tasty mixture will give your sweet potatoes a wonderful flavor.
4. Apply the Glaze:
Brush the glaze generously over the scored sweet potatoes. Make sure to let some of it seep into the cuts for an extra burst of flavor!
5. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes cut side up on a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and lightly caramelized. You might want to check on them halfway through to see how they’re doing!
6. Finish & Serve:
Once they are cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and drizzle with fresh lime juice. If you like, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a little color and flavor. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
Enjoy your flavorful Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can certainly experiment with other types of potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; regular potatoes may take longer to roast. Aim for a fork-tender texture as your indicator!
How Should I Store Leftover Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave, though the oven will keep the caramelization nice and crispy!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to ramp up the heat. For an extra kick, consider tossing in some diced jalapeños or drizzling with hot sauce before serving!
Can I Prepare the Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes a few hours in advance. Score and glaze them, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven for even cooking!
