These Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan are a savory, comforting side dish that takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. With tender sweet potatoes, rich Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs, this dish brings a gourmet touch to any meal without much effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural caramelized sweetness, perfectly balancing the salty, savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan. This dish feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and works well with just about any main course, from grilled chicken to a hearty steak.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh thyme
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). I peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
In a large resealable bag, I combine the sweet potato slices with minced garlic, olive oil, melted butter, garlic salt, pepper, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. I shake the bag well until the slices are evenly coated.
Then I lightly butter a baking dish and arrange the coated sweet potatoes in a spiral pattern, which not only looks stunning but also helps them cook uniformly.
I sprinkle fresh thyme over the top and add a little more Parmesan if I want an extra cheesy finish.
I roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, checking towards the end to make sure they are tender and lightly browned without burning.
Once done, I remove them from the oven and serve immediately, with a little more fresh thyme sprinkled over for extra flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I like to swap the Parmesan with crumbled feta for a tangier flavor. If I’m looking for a spicier version, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the seasoning mix. I also occasionally use rosemary instead of thyme for a more earthy, piney taste.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy edges. Microwaving is faster, but it does make them softer.
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FAQs
How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting too soft?
I slice them evenly and roast them at a high temperature, ensuring that they caramelize without becoming mushy. Keeping an eye on the last few minutes of roasting really helps.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
I can, but I prefer freshly grated Parmesan because it melts better and has a stronger flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, I simply swap the butter for vegan butter or more olive oil and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
I usually peel them for a softer, more uniform texture, but if I’m short on time or want extra fiber, I leave the skin on.
What main dishes go well with this side?
I love serving these roasted sweet potatoes with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a hearty lentil stew for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to my table, making them an irresistible side dish for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this is a recipe I find myself coming back to again and again.