These garlic butter roasted sweet potatoes are a tasty side dish you won’t want to miss! They’re buttery, sweet, and full of garlicky goodness.
Honestly, who can resist that golden-brown crunch? I love serving them with dinner, and sometimes, I snack on the leftovers straight from the fridge. Yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I recommend using medium-sized sweet potatoes for a good balance of sweetness. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can use regular potatoes, but they’ll give a different flavor and texture.
Unsalted Butter: This fat adds rich flavor to the sweet potatoes. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or coconut oil instead, as they work well to achieve a similar taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and zing. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch; just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. However, nothing beats the taste of fresh garlic!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is delightful, but dried thyme does the job too! If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano can be great substitutes for a different flavor profile.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These are optional but can add a lovely sweetness to complement the earthy flavor of sweet potatoes. Brown sugar or agave syrup can work as substitutes if needed.
How Do You Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Roasted?
The key to perfectly roasted sweet potatoes is all about the prep and timing. Here are some tips to ensure they come out tender and golden:
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated at 425°F (220°C) before putting the sweet potatoes in. This helps them caramelize nicely.
- Cutting: Halving the sweet potatoes lengthwise allows the garlic butter mixture to soak in. Ensure the cut sides are up to maximize flavor absorption.
- Even Coating: Be generous when brushing the garlic butter mixture on the sweet potatoes. It helps keep them moist and flavorful.
- Roasting: Roast them for about 25-30 minutes. Flipping halfway through promotes even cooking and browning. You’ll know they’re done when they are tender and have a nice caramelized finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, halved
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast, making a total of 35-40 minutes. You’ll get delicious roasted sweet potatoes that are perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your sweet potatoes cook nicely and get that caramelized flavor you want.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with the cut sides facing up.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and if you like it sweet, add the honey or maple syrup. Mix everything well to combine the flavors!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously apply the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the sweet potatoes. Make sure they are well-coated for maximum flavor!
5. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. They should be tender and lightly caramelized. For even cooking, you can flip them halfway through the roasting time.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, take the sweet potatoes out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch of color and freshness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your garlic butter roasted sweet potatoes are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a side dish or include them in a healthy meal. They’re delicious and so easy to make!
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the melted butter with the same amount of olive oil. It will still give a lovely flavor and help the garlic and herbs adhere to the sweet potatoes.
What If I Don’t Have Thyme?
No worries! You can use other herbs like rosemary or oregano instead. If fresh herbs are available, they can add an even brighter flavor. Just adjust the amount to taste since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
How to Store Leftover Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain their deliciousness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or onions. Just cut them to similar sizes for even cooking and adjust the roasting time if needed, as some vegetables may cook faster or slower than sweet potatoes.
