These savory sweet potatoes are baked to perfection with a lovely sprinkle of parmesan and herbs. They make a tasty side dish that’s both healthy and comforting!
Honestly, who can resist the cheesy goodness on top? I like to pair them with grilled chicken for a colorful plate that makes my taste buds dance! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, providing a naturally sweet flavor. If you’re short on sweet potatoes, you could use butternut squash or regular potatoes as substitutes, but keep in mind the taste will change a bit.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. You could also use avocado oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point. Canola oil works too, but it has a milder taste.
Herbs and Spices: The combination of thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika adds depth. Feel free to experiment! Fresh herbs, like rosemary or basil, can be swapped in, or you might use Italian seasoning for similar flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a savory, cheesy goodness. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan. Grated Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you want something with a sharper bite.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Tender and Golden Brown Sweet Potatoes?
Getting perfectly roasted sweet potatoes can be tricky, but there’s a simple trick: even cooking. Make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they get that nice golden brown outside.
- After coating with olive oil and spices, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of roasting!
- Don’t skip the flipping halfway through; this helps them brown evenly.
- If you want them extra crispy, you could broil them for the last couple of minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How to Make Savory Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, mixing everything up, and then letting them roast in the oven. The warm, cheesy aroma will have you ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature will help the sweet potatoes get nice and crispy!
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced sweet potatoes along with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Get in there with your hands or use a spoon to toss everything together, making sure the sweet potatoes are well-coated with all the yummy seasonings.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the sheet. Try not to crowd them too much—this helps them roast nicely!
4. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a little flip with a spatula to ensure they brown evenly.
5. Add the Parmesan Cheese:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and golden, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot sweet potatoes, and toss them gently to combine. The heat will help the cheese stick nicely!
6. Final Roasting:
Put the sweet potatoes back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will melt the cheese and give it a lovely crispy layer.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, don’t forget to garnish your savory sweet potatoes with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious cheesy goodness!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your savory and cheesy sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with regular potatoes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for tenderness while roasting.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, ensure that no other ingredients contain animal products!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, just be sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving. You can re-roast them in the oven for added crispiness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or Brussels sprouts. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You might need to adjust the roasting time, so keep an eye on them!
