If you’re craving a side dish that’s both sweet and spicy with a satisfying crunch, Honey Chili Smashed Sweet Potatoes are your answer! This recipe combines caramelized sweet potatoes with a bold honey-chili glaze, topped with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for an irresistible bite.

Honey Chili Sweet Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These smashed sweet potatoes are the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The soft and tender centers, combined with crispy edges, offer a delightful contrast. The honey-chili glaze adds a sweet and spicy kick, making these potatoes a bold and exciting addition to any meal. Whether served as a side dish or a satisfying plant-based snack, they’re sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

For the Smashed Sweet Potatoes:

4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into thick rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or vegan honey alternative)
1 tablespoon chili paste (like sambal oelek) or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Optional: Squeeze of lime for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Slice the sweet potatoes into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick.
Boil the sweet potato slices in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart.
Drain and let the slices cool slightly.

Step 3: Smash the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cooked sweet potato slices on the prepared baking sheet.
Gently press each slice with a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly. This step creates more surface area for the crispy edges!

Step 4: Make the Honey Chili Glaze

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon chili paste (or red pepper flakes), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush the glaze generously over the smashed sweet potatoes.

Step 5: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are crispy and caramelized, remove from the oven.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh parsley or cilantro.
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze lime juice over the top before serving.

Variations

Spice it up: Increase the amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes for more heat.
Vegan-friendly: Use maple syrup or a vegan honey alternative to keep this recipe completely plant-based.
Cheese lovers: Sprinkle some shredded vegan cheese on top before baking for an added twist.

Conclusion

These Honey Chili Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, with a satisfying crunch. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to serve as a side dish or snack. The combination of crispy edges, tender centers, and the flavorful glaze makes this dish a real crowd-pleaser