Baked Sweet Potato Slices

This simple baked sweet potato slices recipe has transformed my weeknight side dish game. The crispy edges and tender middles offer the perfect texture contrast while the smoky seasoning elevates humble sweet potatoes into something truly special.

I discovered this technique during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed something impressive yet effortless. Now my family requests these "sweet potato chips" at least twice a week alongside our favorite protein.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds small sweet potatoes unpeeled: Smaller potatoes tend to have a sweeter flavor and more uniform shape for even cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The fat creates those irresistible crispy edges while adding heart healthy nutrients
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This magical ingredient adds complexity far beyond basic paprika look for Spanish varieties for the best flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt: Diamond Crystal kosher salt works beautifully here enhancing the natural sweetness
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground is always best for maximum flavor impact

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 450ºF a hotter temperature is crucial for achieving those caramelized edges without soggy middles. Prepare your baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or spraying generously with cooking oil spray. This prevents sticking which can tear your beautiful slices.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly but leave the skins on they contain nutrients and help the slices hold their shape. Using a sharp knife cut them crosswise into ½ inch thick slices keeping the thickness as consistent as possible for even cooking.

Season the Slices:

In a large mixing bowl combine your sweet potato slices olive oil smoked paprika salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together ensuring each slice gets an even coating of oil and seasoning. This step guarantees flavor in every bite not just on the surface.

Arrange and Bake:

Carefully place your seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping which causes steaming instead of roasting. Place in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. You are looking for lightly browned edges and fork tender middles.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the smoked paprika. I once made these without it when I ran out and my daughter immediately asked what was different. That single teaspoon transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into something extraordinarily craveable with a subtle smokiness that hints at much more complex cooking methods.

Perfect Temperature Control

The 450°F oven temperature might seem high but it's absolutely essential for achieving the perfect texture contrast between the exterior and interior of each slice. Lower temperatures leave you with soft slices lacking those crispy edges while higher temperatures risk burning before the centers cook through. If your oven runs hot check the slices at the 25 minute mark.

Creative Seasoning Variations

While the basic recipe creates a versatile side dish that pairs with almost anything you can easily customize the flavor profile to complement specific meals. For Mediterranean inspired meals add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and a sprinkle of lemon zest after baking. For Asian fusion dishes try adding ½ teaspoon of ground ginger to the seasoning mix before roasting and finishing with a drizzle of sesame oil. My family particularly loves a sweet and spicy version with a pinch of cayenne and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon added to the original seasoning blend.

Make It A Meal

These sweet potato slices can easily transition from side dish to main attraction. Create a hearty vegetarian bowl by serving them over quinoa with roasted chickpeas avocado slices and a tahini drizzle. For a satisfying breakfast serve them alongside fried eggs with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They also make an unexpectedly delicious addition to tacos paired with black beans pickled red onions and crumbled cotija cheese.

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These slices combine simplicity with maximum flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special holiday celebrations they're sure to become a staple at your table!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Should I peel the sweet potatoes before baking?

No, there's no need to peel the sweet potatoes for this dish. The skin adds texture, contains nutrients, and helps the slices hold their shape during baking. Just be sure to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly before slicing.

→ How thick should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Aim for approximately ½-inch thick slices cut crosswise. This thickness allows for proper caramelization on the outside while ensuring the inside becomes tender. Thinner slices may burn, while thicker slices take longer to cook through.

→ Why is my parchment paper necessary?

Parchment paper (or a heavy coating of cooking spray) prevents the sweet potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet. Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars that caramelize during baking, which can make them difficult to remove from an unlined pan.

→ Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! While smoked paprika provides a wonderful depth of flavor, you can experiment with other seasonings like cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder depending on your taste preferences and the main dish you're serving alongside.

→ How do I know when the sweet potato slices are done?

The sweet potato slices are done when they're lightly browned on the edges and can be easily pierced with a fork. They should be tender throughout but not mushy. This typically takes about 30 minutes at 450°F.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the sweet potatoes and toss them with the oil and seasonings up to a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully bake them and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes when ready to serve, though they're best enjoyed fresh from the oven.