Making sweet potato wedges is a simple, nutritious, and delicious option for a side dish or a healthy snack. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with a hint of savory flavor. Here’s an easy method to make crispy and flavorful sweet potato wedges.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key for getting crispy wedges.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since you’ll be baking them with the skin on.
- Pat them dry with a towel.
- Cut off the ends of each sweet potato. Stand them on one end and slice down the middle lengthwise. Place each half cut-side down on the cutting board and slice each half into wedges. Depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, you might get 4 to 6 wedges per half.
- Season the Wedges:
- Place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Arrange the Wedges on a Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spread the wedges out in a single layer, giving them a bit of space between each one to ensure they crisp up.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, use a spatula to flip the wedges to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check for Doneness:
- The wedges are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can test them by poking a wedge with a fork to see if it slides through easily.
- Serve:
- Remove the sweet potato wedges from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or a yogurt-based dip.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Wedges:
- Even Sizes: Try to cut your wedges into even sizes so they cook uniformly.
- Spacing: Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Crowded wedges will steam rather than crisp up.
- High Heat: The high cooking temperature helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Sweet potato wedges make a versatile side that can accompany anything from grilled meats to sandwiches, or even stand alone as a hearty vegetarian treat. Enjoy experimenting with different spices to tailor them to your taste!
