Crispy Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Prepare to transform your perception of humble sweet potatoes into an extraordinary culinary experience. These Smashed Sweet Potatoes, generously coated in rich garlic butter and crowned with a golden sprinkle of Parmesan, are a revelation. Each bite offers an irresistible contrast: delightfully crispy and golden on the outside, yet wonderfully soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet on the inside. This simple yet ingenious twist elevates a classic root vegetable into a show-stopping side dish that promises to impress every time.
Move over, traditional mashed potatoes; these garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes are ready to claim their rightful place as the star of your meal. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers, irresistibly crunchy edges, and a burst of savory garlicky flavor, they’re the perfect companion to a wide array of main courses. Imagine them alongside Creamy Tuscan Chicken, complementing the aromatic Garlic Herb Roast Chicken, or even enhancing your holiday Garlic Roast Turkey feast. This isn’t just another sweet potato recipe; it’s *the* garlic sweet potatoes recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, becoming a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Smashed Sweet Potato Recipe
These Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a celebration of both texture and flavor, striking a perfect balance that elevates them far beyond a typical vegetable side. What makes this recipe truly exceptional is the harmonious blend: intensely crispy edges that crackle with every bite, rich and savory garlic butter notes permeating every crevice, and soft, naturally sweet centers that simply melt in your mouth. The magic lies in the simple, yet effective, process of first cooking the sweet potatoes until tender, then gently smashing them, and finally roasting them to golden perfection. This technique maximizes the surface area, allowing for unparalleled crispiness and encouraging the natural sugars to caramelize, enhancing their inherent sweetness. The final touch of Parmesan cheese takes them completely over the top, adding a salty, umami crust that is utterly addictive.
If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate garlic sweet potatoes recipe, your search ends here. This preparation method transforms basic sweet potatoes into an elegant, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated holiday gathering. The combination of sweet potatoes, infused butter, aromatic garlic, and savory Parmesan creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients, treated with care, can yield extraordinary results. Prepare for rave reviews when you serve these delightful, crispy, and flavorful smashed sweet potatoes!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Creating these spectacular Smashed Sweet Potatoes requires surprisingly few ingredients, proving that deliciousness often stems from simplicity. With just a handful of staple items, you can embark on a culinary journey to transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a garlicky, buttery, and incredibly crispy side dish that will captivate everyone at your table. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet Potatoes: The undeniable star of this recipe. Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best results. Their natural sweetness and hearty texture make them ideal for smashing, creating those coveted crispy-edged bites. Look for varieties with vibrant orange flesh for maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Butter: Melted butter is key to coating each smashed sweet potato piece, imparting a rich, luxurious flavor. It also plays a crucial role in achieving those beautiful golden, crisp edges as they roast in the oven. For an even richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adjusting the salt later.
- Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic is non-negotiable for that signature aromatic kick that defines this recipe. The garlic infuses the melted butter, ensuring every single bite of sweet potato is bursting with savory, piquant notes. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best, most potent flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the secret weapon for an irresistible finish. As it bakes, the Parmesan melts into a golden, savory, and slightly salty crust on top of the potatoes, adding another layer of complex flavor and amazing texture.
- Olive Oil: A light spray of olive oil helps to further enhance the crispiness during roasting and ensures the potatoes don’t stick to the baking sheet.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich flavors of garlic and butter. It’s used both in the butter mixture and as a garnish.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors. Seasoning to taste allows you to control the balance perfectly.
Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with precise measurements.
How To Prepare Perfectly Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Crafting these delightful smashed sweet potatoes is a straightforward process that yields incredibly impressive results. Follow these detailed steps to achieve crispy, flavorful perfection every time.
- Prep the Oven and Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to a high broil (or grill) setting. While the oven warms up, prepare your sweet potatoes. Thoroughly wash and scrub them clean, then trim off both ends. Cut each sweet potato into roughly 1 ½-inch pieces. Quartering larger potatoes usually works best, ensuring all pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
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Cook Until Tender: There are two excellent methods to cook the sweet potatoes until tender.
Boil Method: Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy. Drain them well and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle without burning your hands. This cooling step is crucial for preventing them from breaking apart when smashed.
Roast Method: Alternatively, you can roast them. Arrange the cut sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and roast in a preheated oven (around 400°F / 200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until fork-tender. Again, allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Smash the Potatoes: Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking oil spray. Arrange the cooled, tender sweet potato pieces in a single layer, ensuring they have some space between them. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass, a potato masher, or a large fork, gently press down on each sweet potato piece until it’s slightly flattened. The goal is to create a disc-like shape with craggy edges, not to mash them completely. Be gentle to keep the pieces intact – this expanded surface area is what will become wonderfully crispy!
- Make the Garlic Butter and Season: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the freshly crushed garlic and finely chopped fresh parsley. Whisk briefly to combine. Drizzle this aromatic garlic butter mixture generously and evenly over all the smashed sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Season them thoroughly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For an extra touch of crispiness, give them a very light spray of olive oil over the top.
- Crisp and Melt to Perfection: Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the smashed sweet potatoes to the preheated broiler. Broil for approximately 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them, until they turn beautifully golden brown and develop wonderfully crispy edges. Broilers can vary, so watch them closely to prevent burning. Once they reach the desired crispiness, remove the tray from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes, then return the tray to the oven under the broiler for just 1-2 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven. If desired, garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a burst of color and a touch more salt to truly bring out the flavors. Serve these glorious Smashed Sweet Potatoes immediately while they are still hot, allowing everyone to savor their crisp edges, buttery garlic notes, and soft, sweet centers. They are truly best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Perfect Pairings for Your Smashed Sweet Potatoes
These versatile Smashed Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side; they can elevate almost any meal. Their unique combination of sweet and savory, along with their delightful texture, makes them a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes.
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, they pair beautifully with Greek Lamb Souvlaki with Garlic Yogurt Dip. The smoky, charred flavors of the lamb and the cool, tangy yogurt sauce provide a perfect contrast to the sweet, garlicky, and crispy potatoes, creating a wonderfully balanced plate.
If you’re looking for something different, consider serving them alongside rich seafood like Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon in Garlic Butter. The garlic notes will echo, while the creamy salmon offers a luxurious counterpoint. Alternatively, pair them with a hearty, slow-cooked dish such as a Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. The robust flavors and tender meat of the ragu bring a comforting depth that perfectly balances the crispy, buttery potatoes for a truly satisfying and memorable meal. These potatoes also make an excellent addition to holiday spreads, complementing roasted meats and other festive dishes with their vibrant color and irresistible flavor.
Recipe FAQ’s: Your Questions Answered
No, absolutely not! The skin of the sweet potatoes not only provides beneficial nutrients and fiber but also helps the individual pieces hold their shape much better during smashing and roasting. Plus, it crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding another layer of delightful texture to the final dish. Just make sure to scrub them thoroughly clean before you begin cooking.
The key is gentle and even pressure. Use a wide, flat object like the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass, a potato masher, or even a large fork. Press down gently but firmly on each cooked sweet potato piece until it’s slightly flattened to about ½ to ¾ inch thick. The goal is to create more surface area for crisping, not to mash them into a purée. If they’re too soft, let them cool a little longer before smashing.
There are a few important steps. First, ensure your baking sheet is well-greased with cooking oil spray or lined with parchment paper. Second, make sure the sweet potatoes are properly cooked until tender but not overcooked and mushy. Third, allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes) after cooking and before smashing. This helps them firm up a bit and maintain their structure, reducing the likelihood of them sticking and falling apart.
While these are best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can do some prep work in advance. You can cook and smash the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, arrange them on a baking sheet, drizzle with the garlic butter, add Parmesan, and broil as per the recipe. They might not be quite as crispy as fresh, but still delicious.
These smashed sweet potatoes are highly customizable! For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. For different herb notes, try rosemary or thyme instead of or in addition to parsley. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like a sharp cheddar or a smoked Gouda, for a unique flavor profile. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup before broiling can also enhance their natural sweetness and create a lovely caramelization.
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Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sized sweet potatoes or 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 spray olive oil light spray
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Pre-heat your oven to broil (or grill) settings to high heat. Trim off the ends of the sweet potatoes. Cut each sweet potato into quarters (or 1 1/2 – inch pieces).
Boil Method:
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Place sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to the boil; cook, covered for 20 -25 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain well.
Roast Method:
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Bake sweet potato pieces for 25-30 minutes, or until they are fork tender. Allow to cool for about 5 minted, or until you can handle them without burning your hands.
Smash:
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Lightly grease a large baking sheet or tray with cooking oil spray. Arrange sweet potatoes onto the sheet and use a fork to LIGHTLY flatten each piece (they will be soft, so try not to press too hard or they will end up breaking and mashed).
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Mix together the butter, garlic and parsley. Pour the mixture over each sweet potato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and lightly spray with olive oil spray.
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Broil (or grill) until they are golden and crispy (about 15 minutes). Remove from oven, sprinkle over the parmesan cheese and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
To Serve:
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Season with a little extra salt and parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Look for long sweet potatoes that are fairly wide in diameter. I found the fatter, the better (larger smashed sweet potato pieces.
- I prefer the boil method first, as they seem to almost caramelise in their own natural sweetness, before baking. But either method works.
- Ensure your broiler is preheated and watch the potatoes carefully during the broiling step, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each smashed sweet potato enough space to ensure proper air circulation, which is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These Crispy Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory depth of garlic butter and the salty crunch of Parmesan creates a side dish that is truly unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special gathering, these smashed sweet potatoes offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will make them a highlight of any meal. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, they are sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes!