Honey Chili Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These Honey Chili Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, they’re an easy-to-make side dish or snack that combines roasted sweet potatoes with a tangy chili glaze, topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs for an irresistible finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into thick rounds
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or vegan honey alternative
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sambal oelek) or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional: squeeze of lime for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato slices in a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
- Smash Slices: Arrange the sweet potato slices on the prepared baking sheet. Using a fork or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each slice to flatten it slightly, ensuring they remain intact.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, chili paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Brush the chili maple glaze generously over each smashed sweet potato slice, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Roast: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden on the edges.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Optionally, finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness before serving.
Notes
- Boiling the sweet potatoes before roasting helps achieve a creamy inside with crispy edges.
- You can substitute chili paste with red pepper flakes for a milder heat or adjust to your spice preference.
- Using maple syrup or a vegan honey alternative keeps this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Sesame seeds add crunch and a nutty flavor; you can toast them lightly before adding for more aroma.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a fresh, vibrant finish, but you can omit or swap based on availability.
- The optional lime juice brightens the dish and balances the sweetness and spiciness.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger crowd and still maintain quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 medium sweet potato with toppings)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: honey chili smashed sweet potatoes, vegan sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, spicy sweet potato recipe, healthy side dish
