Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, this Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these potatoes turn out—crispy on the edges, tender and buttery inside, with just the right pop of savory herbs and Parmesan. When I first tried smashing sweet potatoes instead of just roasting them whole or cubed, I discovered this trick instantly elevated the humble tuber into something extra special. Keep reading because I’m about to share all my tips to make sure your smashed sweet potatoes turn out perfect every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All of these ingredients come together so smoothly, making the potatoes truly shine without any fuss. I find that choosing thin, long sweet potatoes helps them cook evenly and makes smashing easier. Fresh thyme is a non-negotiable for me—it adds such an aromatic note!

• Olive oil spray: Keeps the potatoes from sticking and helps the edges crisp up beautifully when broiled.
• Sweet potatoes: Choose long, thin ones about 10 ounces each for even cooking and the perfect smash.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Gives richness and helps the seasonings stick evenly.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip this!
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough bite and depth.
• Garlic powder: Brings out a savory hint without overpowering.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile smoothly.
• Fresh thyme: This fresh herb brightens the potatoes and pairs so well with Parmesan.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts to a golden, crispy topping that’s utterly irresistible.
• Nonfat Greek yogurt (optional): A dollop adds creamy tang and balances the savory flavors nicely.

Variations

I love how easily this Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe adjusts to whatever you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment — the key is to keep that crispy, smashed texture!

• Cheesy swaps: I’ve swapped Parmesan for mozzarella when I wanted a milder, gooey topping and loved the result.
• Herb alternatives: Sometimes I use fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a woodsy twist that makes these perfect for fall dinners.
• Dairy-free version: If you want to skip dairy, just omit Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter—still super delicious and snack-worthy.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a little heat that wakes up the sweet potatoes.

How to Make Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Toss Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and spraying a sheet pan with olive oil so the sweet potatoes don’t stick. While the oven is warming, give your sweet potatoes a good wash and dry (I like thin long ones about 10 ounces each). Slice them into about ¾-inch thick rounds—that size is perfect so they hold together but smash easily later.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh thyme. Toss those sliced sweet potatoes in until each piece gets a nice, even coating. This combo is where all the savory magic begins!

Step 2: Bake Until Tender

Spread the coated slices evenly on your prepared sheet pan, making sure they aren’t piled on top of each other so they roast evenly. Slide them into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. At this point, the sweet potatoes should be soft and tender, but don’t skip the next step where they get smashed and broiled to crisp up!

Step 3: Smash and Broil for Crispy Perfection

Once baked, take the pan out and let the sweet potatoes cool for about 5 minutes—this resting step helps them set so they smash without falling apart. Then adjust your oven rack to the second from the top position and switch your oven to high broil. Using a fork, gently press down to smash each sweet potato slice to about half its original thickness. Be delicate here—you want them smashed but intact.

Spray them lightly with olive oil again, sprinkle generously with Parmesan, then pop them back under the broiler on the upper middle rack. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye until the cheese melts and the edges turn gorgeously crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

The finishing touch is a sprinkle of fresh thyme and, if you like, a small dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt for that creamy contrast. The yogurt adds a slight tang that complements the savory flavors beautifully. Serve these warm, and get ready for the compliments!

How to Serve Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually go with extra sprigs of fresh thyme for that earthy aroma and a small spoonful of Greek yogurt to balance the richness with a touch of tang. Sometimes a quick sprinkle of chili flakes works wonders if I’m craving a little heat.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a dream alongside roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a simple green salad. My family goes crazy pairing these smashed sweet potatoes with garlic butter green beans and a juicy grilled pork chop.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated them individually topped with microgreens and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. They look fancy but are so simple to whip up. Also, serving these on a big wooden board for sharing makes them the star of any casual gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover smashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay tasty for up to 3 days. Just keep the yogurt separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works, but the texture changes a bit. If you want to freeze, flash freeze the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy edge. Microwave makes them soft and less appealing, so avoid that if possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You know those side dishes that are simple but impress everyone every time? This Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe feels like that for me. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to bring to holidays or weekend gatherings. I hope you enjoy how the crispy edges, fragrant herbs, and cheesy topping come together in a way that feels both comforting and elevated. Give this recipe a try—you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation as much as I do!

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