If you’re looking for a deliciously addictive snack or side dish that is bursting with flavor and texture, you’ve got to try this Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe. The contrast between the crispy edges and soft, tender centers of the sweet potatoes combined with the tangy, garlicky yogurt sauce makes every bite a total delight. It’s simple to whip up, uses everyday ingredients, and will quickly become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, vibrant color, and the perfect balance of textures in this dish.
- Sweet potatoes: Thick rounds provide a tender interior and make smashing easier to get those irresistible crispy edges.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden crunch when roasting the potatoes.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the surface of the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness and add depth.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal garnish to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise (optional but recommended!).
- Plain yogurt: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the garlic dipping sauce.
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic: Packs a punch of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Lemon juice: Injects a fresh, zesty brightness to the dipping sauce that balances the richness.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy and clean. Then, arrange the thick sweet potato rounds evenly on the sheet. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, and don’t be shy with the salt and pepper—it’s what builds a tasty crust and enhances the natural sweetness. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for about 25 minutes until they’re soft enough to gently smash.
Step 2: Smash and Add Honey
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, gently press each slice down with the bottom of a glass or a fork until they’re a bit flattened but still in one piece. This smashing step is the magic that creates all those crunchy edges. Drizzle each smashed sweet potato generously with honey. The sugar in the honey caramelizes beautifully, giving you a lovely golden and crispy finish during the next bake.
Step 3: Crisp to Perfection
Return the smashed, honey-drizzled potatoes to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, they will crisp up beautifully and develop a gorgeous deep color. Keep an eye on them from the 15-minute mark to make sure they don’t burn—every oven is different, and you want maximum crunch without bitterness.
Step 4: Mix the Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce
While your sweet potatoes are finishing up, whip together the garlic yogurt dipping sauce. Just mix plain yogurt with garlic powder (or freshly minced garlic if you want that raw punch), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The sauce is creamy and bright with just enough garlic kick to perfectly complement the crispy sweet potatoes. This happens quickly and can even be made ahead if you want to save time.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of vibrant green color and a mild herby aroma that lifts the dish. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want to get a little adventurous and spice up the flavors.
Side Dishes
These crispy smashed sweet potatoes are fantastic alongside a fresh green salad, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. They bring a fun textural element and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory mains. For a cozy meal, serve them with your favorite soup or stew—great for cooler evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Arrange the smashed sweet potatoes on a large platter, adding dollops of the garlic yogurt sauce artfully across the top rather than on the side. You might layer them with thin slices of avocado or sprinkle toasted nuts for an extra crunch. They also make an excellent appetizer at parties—guests will love dipping into that garlicky yogurt!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispiness will soften, but reheating can bring back some of the texture.
Freezing
These aren’t the easiest to freeze because the crispy edges can become soggy once thawed, but if you want to try, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 1 month for best taste and texture.
Reheating
To bring the crisp back, reheat the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that will turn them mushy. For the dipping sauce, give it a good stir and serve cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While the flavor profile will change, regular potatoes also work wonderfully with this cooking method and the garlic yogurt sauce. Just adjust roasting times slightly depending on the thickness of your potato slices.
What if I don’t have plain yogurt for the sauce?
If you don’t have yogurt on hand, sour cream or crème fraîche are great stand-ins. They offer a similar creamy tang that pairs well with garlic and lemon.
Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic yogurt dipping sauce actually benefits from resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Just make sure to stir it before serving.
How thick should I cut the sweet potato slices?
Aim for about 1/2 inch thick rounds. They need to be thick enough to hold together when smashed but thin enough to roast through in a reasonable time.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The sweet potatoes can be roasted and smashed ahead, and the dipping sauce made in advance too. Just store separately and reheat before serving for a quick and tasty meal addition.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to enjoying sweet potatoes. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for sweet potatoes more often and searching for reasons to serve this dish. It’s simple, universally appealing, and comforting with just the right hint of indulgence. So grab those sweet potatoes and get smashing—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes, a delightful side dish featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes smashed and baked to a golden, crispy perfection. Paired with a tangy garlic yogurt dipping sauce, this recipe is both simple to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for a healthy snack or a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the peeled and thickly sliced sweet potato rounds on the baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25 minutes, or until they become tender when pierced with a fork.
- Smash Sweet Potatoes: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently smash each sweet potato slice using a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly but keep them intact.
- Add Honey and Crisp: Drizzle honey over each smashed sweet potato slice, then return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the edges turn crispy and golden brown.
- Make Dipping Sauce: While the sweet potatoes finish baking, prepare the garlic yogurt dipping sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic), lemon juice, and salt together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with the garlic yogurt dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor in the dipping sauce if preferred.
- The smashed sweet potatoes can be prepared ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- For extra crispiness, broil the sweet potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
