These Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are simply mouthwatering! Coated in buttery garlic goodness, they turn crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yum!
I love how easy they are to make! Just chop, toss with garlic butter, and roast. Perfect as a side dish or even a tasty snack for when I’m craving something hearty! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! You can use orange-fleshed or purple-fleshed sweet potatoes. If they’re hard to find, regular white potatoes can work, but the flavors and textures will differ.
Unsalted Butter: I always go for unsalted to control the salt level. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, olive oil or vegan butter can be great alternatives, maintaining that rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove you’re replacing.
Seasonings: The paprika adds a nice color and subtle flavor, but feel free to skip it. For a little kick, try chili powder or cayenne pepper instead. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also work for a different flavor!
How Do I Get the Perfect Roast on My Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes so they’re perfectly tender and caramelized can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure they are cut evenly so they cook through at the same rate. Halving them lengthwise is great!
- For better flavor, brush the garlic butter mixture generously on the cut sides.
- If possible, place them cut-side up on the baking sheet. This helps them caramelize nicely.
- Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking for an even golden color!
- Keep an eye on the edges. They should get nice and crispy without burning.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to roast, totaling about 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend just a little time getting everything ready before popping the sweet potatoes in the oven to cook and caramelize to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice them in half lengthwise. If your sweet potatoes are large, cutting them into quarters can help them cook evenly. This helps to ensure a perfectly tender bite!
2. Preparing the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as that can make it taste bitter. Once it’s aromatic, remove it from the heat.
3. Mixing the Seasonings:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted garlic butter with the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together to ensure the flavors mix well. This will be slathered on the sweet potatoes, so get it nice and combined!
4. Brushing and Baking:
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased, place the sweet potato halves with the cut-side facing up. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the sweet potatoes—make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor! Then, roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. They should be tender at the center and slightly caramelized on the edges. If you want, feel free to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes!
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?
Absolutely! If you prefer a dairy-free option or just love the flavor of olive oil, substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of olive oil. Just follow the same instructions, whisking the minced garlic directly into the oil instead of melting it first.
How Can I Adjust Cooking Time for Different Sweet Potato Sizes?
If you are using larger sweet potatoes or cutting them into larger pieces, you may need to increase the roasting time by 5-10 minutes. Just check for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. They should be easily pierced when done!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sweet Potatoes?
Store your leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating but note that this may make them slightly less crispy.
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with seasonings like cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a different twist. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even roasting!
