If ever a side dish could turn heads and spark recipe requests, it’s Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes. This vibrant, crowd-pleasing favorite brings together caramelized sweetness, rich buttery flavor, and a punch of garlicky goodness—every bite is golden, crispy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth creamy inside. Whether you’re tucking these potatoes beside your go-to weeknight chicken or wowing guests at your holiday table, this dish guarantees love at first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes comes from a handful of humble but essential ingredients. Each one shines in its own way, lending flavor, color, and irresistible texture. Gather these simple pantry staples and get ready for something delicious!
- Sweet potatoes: Opt for 2 pounds of firm, bright sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons of melted butter add richness and help develop that golden, crisp exterior.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, bring the bold, savory character that makes this dish sing.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon rounds out the fat content and helps with even roasting.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon for a subtle, warming kick in every bite.
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon introduces a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped, for a pop of freshness and a pretty finish just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the sweet potatoes from sticking and ensures easy clean-up later—trust me, you’ll thank yourself!
Step 2: Mix the Awesome Garlic Butter Coating
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple blend is the secret behind those deeply flavorful, crispy cubes of Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
Step 3: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes right into your bowl. Toss everything together until each potato piece is glossy and fully coated with the buttery, garlicky goodness. Don’t rush this step—you want every nook and cranny packed with flavor.
Step 4: Spread and Roast
Pour the coated sweet potatoes onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single, even layer. Crowding will steam them instead of roasting, so give those cubes some space. Pop the sheet into your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through for ultimate crispy edges and even color.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
When your Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes emerge with a rich golden hue and the perfect fork-tender bite, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle immediately with fresh chopped parsley—the contrast of bright green against those caramelized edges is gorgeous. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but don’t be shy with extra ideas: a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a grating of parmesan, or a dash more smoked paprika can all elevate Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
These sweet potatoes are the MVP at any table, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, grilled tofu, or hearty fall salads. Their balance of sweet and savory complements just about any main course, so feel free to get creative.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes onto a beautiful platter, topping with extra garlic butter or honey, and nestling in some sprigs of fresh herbs. Or serve them in individual ramekins for a more formal touch—either way, they’re a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They hold up wonderfully, and even get a bit more garlicky by day two—a bonus for leftovers lovers!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes, make sure they’re completely cool. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to two months. Just know that the texture will soften a bit after thawing, but they’ll still be delicious.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover sweet potatoes in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, spread out on a baking sheet, to revive their crispy edges. In a pinch, the microwave works too, but the oven really brings back their freshly roasted charm.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cut sweet potatoes from the store?
Absolutely! Pre-diced sweet potatoes are a fantastic time-saver. Just make sure the cubes are roughly uniform so everything roasts evenly and adjust the cook time if the pieces are smaller or larger than 1 inch.
Is it okay to leave the skin on?
Yes, you can keep the skin for extra fiber and texture. Scrub the sweet potatoes well before cutting, and enjoy the subtle chew the skin adds to the dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the pan?
Definitely! Carrots, parsnips, or even butternut squash roast beautifully alongside sweet potatoes. Just chop all veggies to about the same size and keep an eye on overall roasting time.
What’s the best way to melt butter for this recipe?
Pop the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 10-second bursts until just melted. You don’t want it piping hot; just warm enough to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
How can I make this vegan?
Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter alternative—it will still create those rich, golden notes, and everyone can dig in!
Final Thoughts
There’s something about Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes that wins over even the pickiest eaters. If you’re searching for a new go-to side dish, give these a try—they’re sunshine on a platter, easy enough for weeknights, but impressive at any gathering. Here’s to sharing and savoring a plateful of happiness!
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Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of garlic, butter, and smoked paprika adds a rich and savory taste to the sweet potatoes, making them a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Coat the sweet potatoes: Add the sweet potato cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For a slightly sweet twist, drizzle honey over the sweet potatoes before roasting.
- Pair these sweet potatoes with roasted meats or enjoy them as a hearty vegetarian side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
