Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes – These Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes are the perfect combination of flavors—sweet from the brown sugar, with a touch of spice from chili powder and cayenne. With just 15 minutes of prep, these potatoes are roasted to golden perfection, making them a fantastic side dish for any meal. Ready in only 40 minutes, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or a weekend treat!
The first time I made these Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes, I was looking for a way to jazz up my usual roasted veggies. My husband loves a little kick of spice, and our child is a big fan of anything with a hint of sweetness, so this seemed like a win-win. As they baked, the kitchen filled with this amazing, warm aroma from the paprika and brown sugar. When we sat down to eat, they were a total hit! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor—everyone kept reaching for more. Now, this recipe has a permanent dwelling in our meal rotation!
What makes this Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes truly standout?
These Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes are the finest of both worlds—sweet, savory, and a speck spicy. The mixture of paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne forms a flawlessly balanced taste that makes these potatoes a standout side dish. Plus, they’re leisurely to make! Just throw everything in a bowl, smear on a baking sheet, and roast until golden and tender. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even on their own as a snack. They’re incredibly adaptable and consistently a crowd-pleaser!
What You Need To Make This Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
This ingredient mix is what makes these sweet potatoes so addictive! Each spice and seasoning plays a role, blending together for that sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor that just keeps you coming back for more.
Sweet Potatoes: Go for firm, large sweet potatoes with that beautiful orange color. They’re naturally sweet, and roasting them just brings out that rich, caramelized goodness. Peel them up, chop them into cubes, and they’re ready to soak up all those spices.
Olive Oil: This isn’t just for flavor—it helps the spices stick to the potatoes and gives them that golden, slightly crispy finish. If you don’t have olive oil, any mild oil (like avocado or vegetable) will work here too.
Paprika: This is where the smoky magic happens! Paprika adds a mild, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes. If you have smoked paprika, it adds an even deeper flavor twist!
Brown Sugar: The “sweet” in our sweet and spicy mix! Just a touch of brown sugar goes a long way. It caramelizes in the oven, giving the potatoes a bit of glaze and adding a lovely depth to the flavor.
Black Pepper: A bit of black pepper brings warmth without overpowering anything. It’s just enough to balance out the sweetness from the brown sugar.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These two give that underlying savory flavor that rounds everything out. They don’t take center stage, but you’d miss them if they weren’t there.
Poultry Seasoning: A surprise twist! Poultry seasoning usually has thyme, sage, and rosemary, which add a nice savory depth. It’s not just for chicken—it really brings out the flavor in these roasted potatoes!
Chili Powder and Cayenne Pepper: These are the “spicy” part of the recipe. The chili powder adds a gentle warmth, while cayenne gives it a bit more of a kick. Adjust the cayenne based on your spice tolerance—just a pinch goes a long way!
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Steps To Make Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, you’ll have time to get everything else ready. This little step sets the stage for those perfectly roasted, caramelized edges!
Season the Sweet Potatoes: Grab a big mixing bowl, toss in those sweet potato cubes, and drizzle them with olive oil. Now for the fun part—sprinkle on the paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, chili powder, and just a pinch of cayenne. Give them a good toss (use your hands if you want to really get in there!). It’s so satisfying watching each piece get coated with that mix of spices, knowing it’ll turn into something magical.
Spread and Arrange: Pour the sweet potatoes out onto a baking sheet, spreading them into an even layer. Try to give each piece a little breathing room. It’s like you’re setting them up for success, making sure each one gets that perfect golden, crispy edge!
Bake and Flip: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let those sweet potatoes bake for about 15 minutes. Then, take them out and give them a quick flip with a spatula. This little extra care helps them cook evenly and makes sure all sides get that golden color. Put them back in for another 10-15 minutes, until they’re tender and the edges are beautifully crisp.
Serve and Savor: Once they’re out of the oven, give them a minute to cool, but not too long—you’ll want to enjoy them while they’re warm and full of flavor. Each bite is a mix of sweet, spicy, and crispy, with that perfect balance of flavors you worked to create. Enjoy them as a side, a snack, or honestly, just dig in on their own. You’ve earned it!
Tip:
If you want these sweet potatoes to turn out extra crispy and full of flavor, make sure to spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer with a little space in between. It’s tempting to pile them on, but if they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you’ll miss out on those deliciously crispy edges. And here’s a little insider trick: halfway through baking, flip them with a spatula to get that perfect golden color on all sides. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on a bit more cayenne or paprika right before serving—it adds a burst of flavor and a little extra kick. These small touches really make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and season the sweet potatoes in advance, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just give them a quick toss again before spreading them on the baking sheet. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold when they go in.
How do I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, just skip the cayenne or reduce the chili powder a bit. For more heat, add a bit more cayenne or even some red pepper flakes. You can totally customize the heat to fit your taste!
What are some good toppings or dips for these sweet potatoes?
These sweet and spicy sweet potatoes are amazing on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, adds a nice fresh touch too. Or go for a spicy aioli if you’re craving something a little extra!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grab a big mixing bowl and throw in the sweet potato cubes. Drizzle some olive oil over them and give it all a good toss to coat them nicely. Sprinkle in the paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Give everything a good toss so that each piece is nicely coated in that sweet and spicy seasoning mix.
- Lay the seasoned sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer so they cook up nice and crispy.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Take them out, flip them over with a spatula to make sure they cook evenly, and then slide them back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown on the edges and tender in the center. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
