Description
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Parmesan is a delectable side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes that are pre-cooked, smashed flat, seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and melted butter, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh thyme, this recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy edges and soft centers, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, quartered
Seasoning Mixture
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh thyme, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pre-cook the sweet potatoes: You can cook the sweet potatoes either on the stove or in an instant pot. For stovetop cooking, place the quartered sweet potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water, covering them by about one inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a simmer, cover, and cook until tender, about 18-20 minutes. For the instant pot method, add the sweet potatoes and 3-4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Seal the lid, set steam release to sealed, and cook on Manual pressure for 8 minutes. Release pressure naturally or use quick release once done.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the smashed sweet potatoes.
- Drain and smash the potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes in a colander and arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten each quarter into discs approximately ½ inch thick, careful not to break them apart.
- Prepare and apply seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined. Brush this seasoning mixture evenly over each smashed sweet potato disc to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture. For extra crispiness, broil on high for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the smashed sweet potatoes with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh thyme. Serve warm as a savory and satisfying side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Be gentle when smashing the potatoes to keep them intact and hold the seasoning.
- Broiling is optional but enhances crispiness—monitor closely to avoid burning.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Feel free to customize seasonings to your taste, such as adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.
