Description
Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious twist on classic roasted sweet potatoes, featuring tender baked slices that are gently smashed, topped with melted Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh thyme. This easy-to-make side dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory spices and creamy toppings, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 long thin sweet potatoes (10 ounces each)
Seasoning and Toppings
- Olive oil spray
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonfat Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Spray a sheet pan with olive oil spray and preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Slice Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then slice them into approximately ¾-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
- Season Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, mix melted butter with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped fresh thyme. Add the sweet potato slices and toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single, even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes until they become fork-tender, then remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Adjust Oven and Smash: Move the oven rack to the second position from the top and switch the oven setting to high broil. Using a fork, gently press down on each sweet potato slice to smash it slightly.
- Add Toppings and Broil: Lightly spray the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil spray, sprinkle each slice evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese, and return the pan to the upper middle rack of the oven. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese melts and the edges become crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with additional fresh thyme, and optionally add a small dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt on top before serving for a creamy contrast to the savory flavors.
Notes
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
- Swap the fresh thyme for fresh rosemary to change the herbaceous note.
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese and replace the melted butter with olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 sweet potato
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 8.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg
