Sweet potato wedges are a delicious and nutritious side dish that’s easy to make and loved by many. Whether you want a healthy snack or a tasty accompaniment to your meal, learning how to cook sweet potato wedges properly will ensure they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every time. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to making perfect sweet potato wedges in your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 3 medium sweet potatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for finishing)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle chile powder (optional for a smoky kick)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary or oregano (optional for extra flavor)
These ingredients are flexible, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (about 230°C). This high temperature is key to getting crispy edges on your wedges while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3 or 4 long wedges about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Try to keep the wedges uniform in size so they cook evenly.
3. Season the Wedges
Place the wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat all the pieces evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, paprika (or chipotle powder), black pepper, and rosemary. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the wedges and toss again until every wedge is well coated.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the wedges out in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Crowding the pan will steam the wedges and prevent crispiness.
5. Bake and Flip
Bake the wedges for 15-20 minutes. Then, use a spatula to flip each wedge to promote even browning. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the wedges are tender and golden brown.
6. Broil for Extra Crispiness
Turn on the broiler and broil the wedges for 2-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step crisps up the edges perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a pinch of extra salt. Serve warm with your favorite dip or as a side dish.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Wedges
– Uniform Size: Cutting wedges evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
– Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each wedge space to crisp up. Use two baking sheets if needed.
– High Heat: Cooking at 450°F helps caramelize the natural sugars in sweet potatoes, enhancing flavor.
– Broil at the End: A quick broil crisps the edges without drying out the wedges.
– Customize Your Seasoning: Try adding cumin, chili powder, or cinnamon for different flavor profiles.
Variations to Try
– Spicy Wedges: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for heat.
– Herb-Infused: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried herbs.
– Sweet and Savory: Sprinkle a little brown sugar or drizzle honey before baking for a sweet glaze.
– Garlic Lovers: Toss wedges with minced fresh garlic before baking for an extra punch.
Why Sweet Potato Wedges?
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Baking them as wedges is a healthier alternative to frying, and the natural sweetness pairs well with savory spices. Plus, they’re versatile enough to complement any meal or stand alone as a snack.
Enjoy your homemade sweet potato wedges-they’re crispy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying!
Sweet potato wedges are easy to make, delicious, and a great way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable with a crispy twist. Give this simple recipe a try and watch them disappear from your plate!