Sides

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

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Golden on the outside, soft on the inside, these roasted sweet potato wedges are seasoned to perfection with garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder. They’re the kind of easy side that goes with just about everything, from burgers to salads, and make an irresistible snack all on their own. The best part? They’re wholesome, naturally gluten-free, and made with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these wedges are sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

  2. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Leave skins on or peel if preferred.

  3. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then quarters, then into ½-inch thick wedges.

  4. Place wedges in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.

  5. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and pepper.

  6. Sprinkle seasoning over sweet potatoes and toss well to coat.

  7. Arrange wedges on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. Use a second sheet if necessary.

  8. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until browned and tender.

  9. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.

  10. Remove from oven, season with extra salt if needed, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 141 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Comforting Classic: Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges are one of those recipes that effortlessly bridges the gap between comfort food and clean eating. Crispy on the outside and buttery soft inside, they offer the kind of hearty satisfaction typically associated with indulgent sides—yet they’re made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. This humble dish not only wins hearts for its flavor and texture but also shines with its nutritional value and versatility.

The Roots of Sweet Potatoes in Culinary Culture

Sweet potatoes have a rich culinary history that spans cultures and continents. Indigenous to Central and South America, sweet potatoes have long been a dietary staple due to their resilience, shelf stability, and high nutrient content. Today, they feature in a variety of global cuisines—from Caribbean and African dishes to Asian and American favorites.

In recent years, sweet potatoes have enjoyed a well-deserved resurgence as a “superfood,” thanks to their high levels of beta-carotene, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. As people seek out healthier alternatives to traditional comfort foods, roasted sweet potato wedges have become a beloved staple in modern kitchens.

Why Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges Are the Best Choice

There are many ways to prepare sweet potatoes—mashed, grilled, spiralized—but roasting them as wedges brings out their very best qualities. The oven’s dry heat caramelizes the natural sugars on the outside, creating a lightly crisp exterior while maintaining a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside.

This specific preparation—seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder—enhances the earthy-sweet flavor of the potatoes without overpowering it. The spices add depth and a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish from simple to sensational. It’s the kind of side that complements everything from grilled proteins to hearty grain bowls and fresh green salads.

A Simple, Foolproof Recipe

One of the greatest strengths of roasted sweet potato wedges is how incredibly easy they are to make. Even a beginner in the kitchen can master this recipe. It requires just a few ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, and pantry spices. The only real technique involved is cutting the wedges evenly so they roast uniformly.

The key to the perfect texture is roasting at a high temperature—450°F (232°C)—and giving the wedges enough room on the baking sheet to crisp up rather than steam. A quick finish under the broiler ensures beautifully golden, slightly charred edges.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute side for dinner, these wedges are as reliable as they are delicious.

Health Benefits That Make a Difference

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, making these wedges a guilt-free indulgence. Here are just a few of the health benefits they bring to the table:

  • Rich in Beta-Carotene: Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This nutrient supports immune function, eye health, and skin renewal.
  • High in Fiber: The skin and flesh of sweet potatoes contain significant fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Low in Calories and Fat: A single serving of these wedges clocks in at just 141 calories, with minimal fat and zero cholesterol.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this dish is free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, and nuts.
  • Source of Potassium and Antioxidants: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.

When you choose these wedges over conventional French fries or frozen potato sides, you’re making a smarter choice for your body without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Wedges Every Time

Even though this recipe is easy, there are a few pro tips that can take your wedges from good to absolutely unforgettable:

  1. Uniform Cutting: Ensure all wedges are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Aim for about ½-inch thickness at the widest point.
  2. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the wedges in a single layer with some space between them. Overcrowding causes steam, which results in soggy wedges.
  3. Use Parchment or Foil: Lining your pan makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
  4. Broil at the End: The final broil step (2–3 minutes) adds irresistible crispiness and caramelization.
  5. Let Them Rest a Minute: After removing them from the oven, allow the wedges to rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly for better texture.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

These roasted sweet potato wedges are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

  • As a Side Dish: They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, or plant-based mains like lentil loaf or tempeh.
  • Snack or Appetizer: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, avocado ranch, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.
  • In a Grain Bowl: Combine with quinoa, sautéed greens, chickpeas, and tahini dressing for a hearty, nutritious bowl.
  • Topped with Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans and a dollop of guacamole for a filling meal.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, sweet potato wedges bring warmth and flavor to the table.

Customizing the Flavor Profile

Another bonus of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily switch up the seasonings to suit your palate or the rest of the meal:

  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or chili powder for a little heat.
  • Herbaceous Twist: Try rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a more aromatic experience.
  • Sweet Variation: Want to turn it into a sweet snack? Sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar before baking.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors—you might just find your new favorite combo!

Kid-Friendly and Meal Prep-Approved

Roasted sweet potato wedges are a hit with kids thanks to their natural sweetness and fun, finger-food format. Parents love them too because they’re nutritious, quick, and customizable. They can be packed in lunch boxes or reheated for quick after-school snacks.

They also reheat well—just pop them in the oven or air fryer to restore that crisp texture. You can even make a big batch and freeze them for later, making them ideal for meal prep.

Environmentally Friendly and Budget-Conscious

Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, widely available year-round, and have a relatively low environmental impact compared to animal-based foods. By incorporating more plant-based sides like these roasted wedges into your meals, you’re making a more sustainable choice for both your health and the planet.

Buying local or organic sweet potatoes from farmers’ markets can also support small-scale agriculture while reducing carbon footprint.

What People Are Saying

This recipe has won over home cooks and food lovers alike. Some say it’s their new go-to for healthy snacking, while others love how it satisfies their fry cravings without the grease.

One reviewer wrote:

“Absolute perfection! And don’t tell the kids these are actually healthy for them… I’m addicted to these… I like to dip them in Chick-fil-A sauce.”

Another shared:

“These sweet potato wedges are delicious! My whole family loved them and wanted more. Will definitely make again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a good sweet potato recipe.”

With glowing feedback and a foolproof preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen too.

Conclusion

Roasted sweet potato wedges are more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and nourishment. With their simple preparation, minimal ingredients, and impressive health benefits, they offer a reliable way to elevate your meals while keeping things easy and approachable.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner looking to impress, this dish offers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. So next time you’re searching for a side that ticks all the boxes—healthy, easy, flavorful, and family-friendly—give these roasted sweet potato wedges a try.

They might just become your new kitchen favorite.

 

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