Sweet potato wedges are a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional fries. With their vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor, they’re not only appealing to the eye but also packed with health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your meal, a healthy snack, or even a main attraction at a gathering, sweet potato wedges are versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to satisfy.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
The appeal of sweet potato wedges goes beyond just their taste. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any complicated equipment or extensive culinary skills to whip up a batch. Just a few ingredients, some seasoning, and your oven do all the work for you.
Their nutritional profile is another compelling reason why you’ll love this recipe. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. This means you can indulge in a tasty snack without any guilt, making it perfect for health-conscious individuals or anyone looking to eat better. Plus, these wedges are gluten-free and vegan, which adds to their appeal!
Additionally, the flavor combinations are endless; you can easily tweak the seasonings to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy a hint of spice or a touch of sweetness, this recipe is a wonderful base for customization, ensuring that sweet potato wedges will never get boring.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Wedges
To create perfect sweet potato wedges, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional for serving)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
These simple ingredients are easy to find and will come together to make a mouthwatering dish.
How to Make Sweet Potato Wedges Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees F. This high temperature will help achieve that delicious crispy texture we all crave in wedges.
Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Scrub and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. If you prefer, you can peel them, but the skin holds many nutrients, so it’s entirely up to you. Once cleaned, cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into 3 or 4 long wedges.
Oil the Wedges: Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the wedges, allowing them to soak up the oil for added flavor and crispiness.
Season: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, garlic powder, chipotle chile powder, ground black pepper, and dried rosemary. This blend of spices will add an incredible flavor to your wedges. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and toss them gently to ensure they are fully coated.
Bake: Place the seasoned wedges in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. After this initial time, turn the wedges over to allow even baking and return them to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. You want them to be lightly browned and tender when done.
Crisp Up: To achieve that perfect crunch, switch your oven settings to broil. Broil the wedges for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, carefully watching them to avoid burning. The edges should become crispy and golden, enhancing their appeal.
Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, sprinkle some additional kosher salt over the hot wedges for that final touch of flavor.
Enjoy your sweet potato wedges as a delicious snack or as part of your meal!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Wedges
Serving sweet potato wedges can be as creative as you want. They are perfect for casual get-togethers or meal prep during the week. Here are some ideas on how to serve them effectively:
Dips: Complement your wedges with an array of dips. A simple garlic aioli, creamy ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo can enhance their flavor. You can also try buttermilk dressing or even a homemade guacamole for a unique twist.
On a Platter: Present your sweet potato wedges on a large platter for a visually appealing dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color.
As Part of a Meal: Combine the wedges with grilled vegetables and a lean protein, such as chicken or fish, for a balanced and satisfying meal.
With a Salad: Add a few wedges to a fresh salad to create a nutrient-rich side or main dish. The sweetness of the potatoes can enhance the overall flavor profile of your greens.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Wedges
Uniform Cutting: Make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform wedges to ensure even cooking. Uneven pieces can lead to some being undercooked while others burn.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the wedges space on the baking sheet. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture rather than the desired crispiness.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to modify the spice blend based on your preference. If you like it spicy, add more chipotle powder. For a sweeter note, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup prior to baking.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can help make cleanup easier and provide a non-stick surface for your wedges.
How to Store Sweet Potato Wedges
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them for later enjoyment. Place the sweet potato wedges in an airtight container and keep them in your refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
To reheat, place the wedges back on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help maintain their crispiness.
Variation of Sweet Potato Wedges
While the basic recipe for sweet potato wedges is delightful on its own, there are numerous variations you can explore:
Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup along with extra chipotle powder for a sweet and spicy experience.
Herby Wedges: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of rosemary. You can also toss in some freshly chopped parsley after baking for a fresh taste.
Cheesy Wedges: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast over the wedges in the last few minutes of baking for a savory cheesy element.
Curry Flavor: For an exotic take, try mixing curry powder into your seasoning blend for deliciously spiced wedges.
Barbecue Style: Toss the baked sweet potato wedges in your favorite barbecue sauce before serving for a smoky, tangy twist.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Wedges
What should I serve with sweet potato wedges?
Sweet potato wedges complement a variety of dishes. They go beautifully with grilled chicken, salads, or as a standalone snack with dips.
How do I know when sweet potato wedges are done?
The wedges are ready when they are tender inside and have a golden-brown exterior. You can poke them with a fork to check for tenderness.
Can sweet potato wedges be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them ahead. Cut the sweet potatoes and keep them submerged in water in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the best texture.
How do I make my sweet potato wedges less soggy?
To avoid soggy wedges, ensure they are well-coated in oil, cut evenly, and spaced out on the baking sheet to allow for even roasting.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt plus additional for serving
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Scrub and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 3 or 4 long wedges.
- Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. Drizzle olive oil over the wedges.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, chipotle chile powder, black pepper, and rosemary. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
- Bake the seasoned wedges for about 15 minutes. Then, turn the wedges over and return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until lightly browned and tender.
- For extra crispiness, switch your oven settings to broil and broil the wedges for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Once done, sprinkle additional kosher salt over the hot wedges before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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