Roasted sweet potato wedges offer the best of both worlds – the satisfying crispness of fries with the natural sweetness of roasted potatoes. This recipe delivers perfectly textured wedges with irresistible smoky flavor, making them a versatile side dish for any meal.
Why These Wedges Work
The secret to exceptional sweet potato wedges lies in a few key steps:
- High Heat: Starting with a preheated baking sheet and a hot oven (450°F) ensures immediate caramelization and crispy edges.
- Flavorful Seasoning: A blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a smoky, savory profile that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Broiler Finish: A final blast under the broiler intensifies the crispness for a satisfying crunch.
Key Ingredients
To make these wedges, you’ll need:
- Sweet Potatoes: Use medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. About 1 1/2 pounds (around 3 potatoes) will yield enough for four servings.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil help the seasoning adhere and promote crisping.
- Spices: A blend of 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
How to Make Them
- Preheat and Prep: Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven while it heats to 450°F. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick wedges.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Roast: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the wedges in a single layer, cut-side down, ensuring they are spaced apart. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip and roast for another 10 minutes, until tender and browned.
- Broil (Optional): For extra crispness, set the oven to broil and cook for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Storage and Serving
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for best results. These wedges pair well with a variety of dips, such as garlic aioli or ketchup, and complement grilled meats, roasted chicken, or vegetarian main courses.
These wedges are a crowd-pleaser, offering a simple yet satisfying side dish that balances flavor and texture. Their versatility makes them ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
