Sweet potatoes transform into crispy, golden wedges coated with a smoky and spicy seasoning blend that’s sure to satisfy any craving. These wedges strike the perfect balance between a tender interior and a crunchy exterior, making them a versatile side dish or snack. This recipe is simple to make and customizable to your preferred spice level. Whether you’re serving these with a dip at a party or pairing them with a main course, these wedges are a delicious and healthy addition to your meal rotation. Get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing dish!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, cornstarch, and cayenne pepper.
- Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 3 wedges. Place the wedges in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potato wedges, tossing them to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the potatoes and mix using a rubber spatula or your hands until well coated.
- Spread the wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the thickest parts are easily pierced with a fork and the edges are crispy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 175 per serving | Servings: 4
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges: A Perfect Blend of Flavor, Nutrition, and Simplicity
Sweet potatoes have earned their reputation as a nutritional powerhouse and culinary favorite. With their natural sweetness, vibrant orange hue, and versatility, they lend themselves to a wide array of dishes. Among the most popular and universally loved are Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges, a perfect choice for health-conscious foodies, busy families, and anyone who loves a flavorful snack or side dish.
This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a culinary delight with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Coated with a smoky, spicy seasoning blend and baked to golden perfection, these wedges are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Balanced Flavors
The seasoning blend is the secret to this recipe’s success. With chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, it strikes a harmonious balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes. These flavors complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making each bite a delightful experience. - Healthier Alternative
Unlike traditional deep-fried wedges, these are baked in the oven, requiring only a small amount of olive oil. This method significantly reduces the calorie and fat content, making them a healthier alternative without compromising on texture or flavor. - Ease of Preparation
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, this recipe is accessible to even the most novice cooks. From slicing the potatoes to tossing them in the spice mixture, the process is quick and straightforward. - Customizable to Taste
Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder flavor, this recipe is easy to adjust to your personal preferences. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a hint of warmth, or swap cayenne for smoked chipotle for a different smoky profile.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not just delicious; they’re incredibly nutritious. Packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they are a fantastic addition to a balanced diet. Here are some of their key benefits:
- Rich in Beta-Carotene: The vibrant orange color of sweet potatoes is due to beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for eye health, immune function, and skin vitality.
- High in Fiber: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes satiety.
- Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: They provide significant amounts of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and B vitamins, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
- Low Glycemic Index: Despite their natural sweetness, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes, making them a better choice for blood sugar management.
Versatility for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, looking for a quick snack, or meal prepping for the week, crispy sweet potato wedges fit the bill. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- As a Side Dish: Pair them with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or veggie burgers for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Snack: Serve them with a variety of dips, such as garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy yogurt-based sauces, for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- As a Meal Prep Staple: Make a large batch and store them in the refrigerator for quick and easy additions to salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
- Cut Evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice your sweet potatoes into uniformly sized wedges. This prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain underdone.
- Don’t Skimp on the Coating: Toss the wedges thoroughly in olive oil and the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Spread Them Out: Arrange the wedges in a single layer with space between each piece. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
- Flip Midway: For evenly crispy edges, flip the wedges halfway through the baking time.
Why Choose Sweet Potatoes Over Regular Potatoes?
While regular potatoes are a classic choice for wedges, sweet potatoes bring unique advantages:
- Flavor Complexity: Sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with both savory and spicy seasonings.
- Nutritional Edge: They boast higher levels of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber compared to regular potatoes.
- Diet-Friendly: Suitable for various dietary needs, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.
Creative Twists on This Recipe
- Herb-Infused Wedges: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an herby twist.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast before baking for a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Asian-Inspired: Replace the spices with a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for a unique take.
- Sweet and Savory: Toss the wedges with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup along with the spices for a sweet-savory combo.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy sweet potato wedges are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips and mains. Here are some serving ideas:
- Dips: Try garlic aioli, guacamole, tahini sauce, or spicy ketchup for dipping.
- Main Courses: Serve alongside roasted chicken, black bean burgers, or grilled fish.
- Drinks: Pair with sparkling water infused with citrus or a light white wine for a refreshing combination.
A Family-Friendly Favorite
One of the best things about this recipe is its universal appeal. Kids love the natural sweetness, while adults appreciate the bold seasoning. It’s a fun way to get everyone in the family excited about eating more vegetables.
Conclusion
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges are more than just a recipe—they’re a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this dish promises to deliver on flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation. Serve them at your next gathering, enjoy them as a snack, or make them a part of your weekly meal rotation. However you choose to enjoy them, these wedges are sure to become a household favorite.