If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly comforting, the Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Herbs and Garlic Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms simple sweet potatoes into a golden, crispy, and aromatic delight, infused with fragrant herbs and garlic that elevate every bite. Imagine tender sweet potatoes smashed just right, bathed in melted butter and fresh rosemary, then roasted to crispy perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s the perfect side for any meal or even a satisfying snack on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balance of rich, savory, and earthy flavors while adding vibrant color and texture to the final plate.
- 4 Large Sweet Potatoes, sliced into 1–1.5 inch thickness: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked.
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted: Brings richness and helps create a beautifully crispy crust on the potatoes.
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary: Adds an earthy, pine-like aroma that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 tsp. salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors to create depth without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp. garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a bold, savory note that complements the sweetness.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Provides a nutty, salty kick and golden crust when baked on top.
How to Make Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Herbs and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt from the skin. Slice each sweet potato into thick rounds about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures they stay tender inside while crisping up nicely on the outside during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb and Garlic Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Microwave the mixture for another 30 seconds to gently infuse the butter with those fresh herbs and garlic aromas. This simple step makes all the difference in flavor.
Step 3: Coat and Arrange
In a shallow bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with the herb-garlic butter mixture, making sure each slice is well coated. Reserve a few tablespoons of the mixture for later. Line the coated slices on a non-stick pan or a parchment-lined sheet pan, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Bake and Smash
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and starting to turn golden underneath. Carefully remove the pan and, using the bottom of a glass cup, gently press down each slice to “smash” them to about half their original thickness. This creates more surface area for crisping.
Step 5: Finish Baking
Brush the smashed potatoes again with the reserved butter and herb mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the edges to crisp up beautifully and the cheese to melt into a golden crust. Remove from the oven and get ready to serve.
How to Serve Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Herbs and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a bright pop to this dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or additional rosemary over the potatoes to bring a fresh, green element. For a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This versatile dish works as an excellent accompaniment to a range of meals. Pair it with roasted meats like chicken or pork, grilled vegetables, or even a crisp green salad for a light, wholesome dinner. Its comforting nature also makes it a hit alongside holiday spreads or hearty stews.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these smashed sweet potatoes on a rustic wooden board for a casual get-together or arrange them in a colorful platter layered with avocado slices and drizzle a tangy yogurt sauce for a fresh twist. You can also dollop some sour cream or add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for extra texture and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes will hold their flavor well, though the crispiness will soften, which is still delicious for reheated bites.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked smashed sweet potatoes by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping and keeps the texture intact. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat while maintaining some crispness, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy edges intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely, but the flavor and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and softer texture that pairs delightfully with herbs and garlic.
Do I have to use butter in this recipe?
Butter adds richness and helps with browning, but you can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free option. Just be sure to adjust the quantity as oils behave differently when baking.
Is it necessary to bake twice?
The two-step baking process helps create tender insides and crispy exteriors. The initial bake softens the potatoes, and smashing increases the surface area for that perfect crisp after the second bake.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat and smash the potatoes, then store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, baking fresh yields the best texture.
What herbs work well besides rosemary?
Thyme, sage, or even a blend of Italian herbs complement the sweet potatoes beautifully. Feel free to experiment based on your preference!
Final Thoughts
This Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Herbs and Garlic Recipe is a wonderfully easy way to elevate your everyday sweet potatoes into something truly special. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll end up with a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and comforting in every bite. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and make it your own by playing with garnishes and side dishes. It’s one of those meals that will quickly become a favorite at your table!
Print
Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Herbs and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish where thick slices of sweet potatoes are coated in a fragrant butter, garlic, and rosemary mixture, baked until tender, then smashed and baked again to achieve a crispy texture. Optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1–1.5 inch thickness
Herb Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and slice them into 1 to 1.5 inch thick rounds.
- Make the Herb Butter Mixture: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Microwave the mixture for an additional 30 seconds to infuse the flavors and slightly cook the garlic.
- Coat the Potatoes: In a shallow bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes with the melted butter, garlic, and herb mixture. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Reserve a few tablespoons of the butter mixture for later use.
- Arrange and Bake: Line a non-stick pan or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper with the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes to soften them.
- Smashed Potatoes: Remove the pan from the oven and use a glass or flat-bottomed cup to gently press down and smash each sweet potato slice to break it and increase surface area for crispiness.
- Finish Baking: Brush the smashed potatoes with the reserved butter mixture. If using, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake the potatoes for another 5 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- Always use a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- You can customize the marinade with your preferred herbs and seasonings or keep it plain by omitting butter or oils; consider using an oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted to keep the recipe dairy-free.
- Save a small amount of the melted butter mixture to brush over the potatoes after smashing for better flavor and crispiness.
- Boiling the sweet potatoes before baking is optional but not required for this recipe.
- Use parchment paper or a good non-stick pan to prevent the potatoes from sticking during baking.
- Add fresh parsley at the end for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
