Sweet potatoes don't always have to be sweet. This version keeps things simple and savory, with a tender center, and just enough garlic and fresh herbs to bring everything together.
The key step is soaking the sweet potatoes after cutting them. It helps pull out excess starch, so they roast up with better texture instead of turning soft and translucent.
After roasting, they're finished in a pan with garlic and fresh herbs. That last step adds flavor without overpowering the sweet potatoes' natural taste.
They also work alongside Southern green beans or Southern fried cabbage.
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Ingredient Notes
- Sweet potatoes: Cut into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate. Soaking them overnight helps release the starch and improves the texture while roasting them in the oven.
- Avocado oil: Helps the potatoes roast evenly and brown nicely without drying them out.
- Kosher salt: Balances the natural sweetness and brings out the savory flavor.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Used lightly during roasting to enhance the savory flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Added at the end so it doesn't burn in the oven and stays fragrant.
- Fresh herbs: Adds a savory finish. Use thyme, sage, and rosemary.
- Ground cinnamon: A hint of cinnamon adds a special touch.
See recipe card for quantities.
Tips Before You Start
- Soak for better texture: After cutting, soak the sweet potatoes to remove excess starch.
- Dry them well: Moisture prevents browning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give them space so they roast instead of steam.
- Add garlic and herbs at the end: Prevents burning and keeps the flavor clean.
What to Watch For While They Roast
The sweet potatoes are ready when the:
- surface is browned and slightly golden
- centers are tender
- they don't look pale or soft
If they're still soft without color, they need more time.
How to Make Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Here's an overview.
Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes and soak them in water overnight.
Roast the sweet potatoes until the surface is golden and the centers are tender.
Sauté the minced garlic and herbs.
Toss the roasted sweet potatoes with the sauteed garlic and herbs.
Refer to the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
What to Serve With Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These pair well with:
📖 Recipe
Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Garlic + Fresh Herbs)
Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Garlic + Fresh Herbs)Equipment
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 sweet potatoes (medium to large size, cubed)
- 4 tablespoon avocado oil (grapeseed oil or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (+ ½ teaspoon for sprinkling over the roasted sweet potatoes after removing them from the oven.)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 7 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh sage
- 2 sprig fresh rosemary (small sprigs)
- 1 clove garlic (fresh, large to medium-sized clove)
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh herbs under cool water. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Remove the skin from the garlic clove. Use a chef's knife to mince the garlic and to finely chop the herbs. Set aside.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes and soak them in water overnight in the fridge. You can soak them up to 48 hours if you'd like.
- Drain and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 415°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil. Season with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon. Toss until they're evenly coated.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast until the surface is golden brown. Then, flip them over halfway through the cooking time for the other side to turn a golden brown. Add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Place a skillet over low heat. Add 3 teaspoons of oil to the skillet. When the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic and fresh herbs until fragrant. About 10 seconds, so the garlic and herbs do not burn.
- Add the sauteed garlic and herbs to the roasted potatoes and toss to coat. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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