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.