Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in sweet potatoes. A touch of butter or olive oil helps the potatoes get crispy and brown. Maple syrup enhances the sweet flavor while cinnamon and thyme add warmth and depth. Salt and pepper season the potatoes to perfection.

Sweet potatoes are such a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many ways, roasted like a baked potato or sliced into a Hasselback sweet potato form. You may enjoy them ultra sweet with marshmallows, mashed, or even in pie form. However, roasting brings out their best qualities - naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture. These oven roasted sweet potato cubes make a simple and easy side dish. Their caramelized edges and tender insides pair perfectly next to traditional mashed potatoes.

You may have noticed sweet potatoes labeled as "yams" in grocery stores. However, yams are actually a different vegetable. The orange-fleshed sweet potatoes we find in American markets are often mislabeled as yams. True yams have thicker, rough skin and white, purple, or pink flesh. They have a distinct starchy flavor. Read more about the difference between sweet potatoes and yams in this article from The Kitchn.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Sweet potatoes - peeled and cut into cubes.
• Butter or olive oil - Butter or oil helps the potatoes get crispy and brown in the oven as well as prevents them from sticking.
• Cinnamon - Cinnamon adds warmth and a slight spice that complements the sweet potatoes so well.
• Thyme - Chopped fresh thyme provides an earthy sweet-savory flavor and aroma.
• Maple syrup (optional) - Maple syrup boosts the potatoes' sweetness and is so delicious. You can also use a little brown sugar if you prefer.
• Feel free to add your favorite spices or garlic powder to the mix. Parmesan cheese sprinkled on at the end so it is just melted is a great additon.

How to Make Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F with rack at bottom to promote browning
2. In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes, oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast 35-45 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and starting to crisp.
5. Taste and season with more salt as needed. Serve hot.

How Long to Roast the Sweet Potatoes Bites?

Allow 35-45 minutes when roasting cubed sweet potatoes. Roast at 400° F, stirring halfway through. Potatoes are done when fork tender and starting to brown. Roast time can vary based on cube size and oven temperature. Watch closely at the end of cooking time and adjust as needed for perfect caramelization.

What to Serve Them With

The sweet and savory flavor of roasted sweet potatoes makes them a versatile vegetable side dish. Enjoy their natural sweetness paired with eggs, in a breakfast sweet potato hash, or paired with sous vide poached eggs. Their tender texture also complements rich baked salmon. Additionally, roasted sweet potatoes contrast nicely with the hearty umami of steak. Their versatile flavor allows them to pair well with roast chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or plant-based proteins too. Roasted sweet potatoes are also a great addition to a hearty salad.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Place roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheat in the Microwave: Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through, about 45 to 90 seconds. To get them crispy again, heat in a 400° F oven for about 10 minutes.