EASY SWEET POTATO ROUNDS

I’ll never forget the first time I roasted a sweet potato – it was Thanksgiving at my Aunt Carol’s, and I was tasked with a side dish that wasn’t green bean casserole. The pressure was on, but I knew I wanted something simple yet flavorful. That’s when I discovered the magic of Sweet Potato Rounds, a dish that’s both easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser. And trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear from the table!

The Secret to Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds

Alright, friend, let’s talk about creating the most delectable sweet potato rounds you’ve ever tasted. This isn’t just about slicing and baking; it’s about unlocking the natural sweetness and creating a texture that’s both tender and slightly caramelized. I’m here to guide you through every step, sharing all my little secrets and tips along the way. You’ll be whipping up batches of these beauties in no time!

What Makes These Sweet Potato Rounds So Good?

Beyond their simplicity, these sweet potato rounds are winners for several reasons:

• Naturally Sweet: Sweet potatoes have a wonderful sweetness that intensifies when roasted. We’ll enhance this natural flavor with just a touch of seasoning.
• Versatile: They’re a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. Think roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even as a topping for a hearty salad. They’re even incredible alongside something like Sweet Potato Skillet if you want a double dose of sweet potato goodness!
• Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer savory or sweet, you can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Healthy: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So, you can indulge without the guilt!
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love these! The slightly sweet flavor and tender texture make them irresistible.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. I usually estimate about 1 medium sweet potato per person.
• Olive Oil: This helps the sweet potatoes roast beautifully and prevents them from sticking to the pan. You can also use coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Optional Seasonings: This is where you can get creative! Some of my favorites include:
  • Cinnamon: For a touch of warmth and spice. Perfect for fall!
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth.
  • Smoked Paprika: For a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Chili Powder: If you like a little heat.
  • Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle a little on after roasting for extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking. Follow these simple steps for perfect sweet potato rounds every time:

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes

First, wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but I actually like to leave the skin on for extra nutrients and a slightly rustic texture. If you do leave the skin on, just make sure to scrub them really well! Next, using a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into rounds about ¼-inch to ½-inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly.

Pro Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even rounds! This will also save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re making a large batch.

Step 2: Season Your Sweet Potato Rounds

Place the sweet potato rounds in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Then, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using. Toss again to make sure everything is well distributed.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Using your hands to toss the sweet potatoes ensures that every round is coated with oil and seasoning.

Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, or they’ll steam instead of roast.

Pro Tip: If you’re making a large batch, you may need to use two baking sheets. You can also rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sweet potato rounds for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. They can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the sweet potato rounds are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with a little maple syrup or honey, if desired. These are delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about these sweet potato rounds is how versatile they are! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Sweet Potato Rounds: Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato Rounds: Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before roasting for a sweet and comforting treat. These would be amazing with Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a decadent dessert spread!
• Garlic-Herb Sweet Potato Rounds: Toss with minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a savory and aromatic side dish.
• Serve as a Topping: Use these sweet potato rounds as a topping for salads, grain bowls, or even tacos.
• Make Sweet Potato Nachos: Top the rounds with black beans, corn, salsa, and your favorite nacho toppings for a fun and healthy appetizer.
• Pair with Dips: Serve with a creamy avocado dip, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Sweet Potatoes Are Burning: If your sweet potatoes are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or cover them loosely with foil.
• Sweet Potatoes Are Not Cooking Through: If your sweet potatoes are still hard after 25 minutes, continue baking them for a few more minutes, checking them every few minutes until they’re tender. Ensure your slices are not too thick.
• Sweet Potatoes Are Sticking to the Pan: Make sure you’re using enough olive oil and that your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper.
• Sweet Potatoes Are Soggy: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This will cause the sweet potatoes to steam instead of roast.

Sweet Potato Nutrition

Beyond their delicious taste, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re an excellent source of:

• Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports immune function and helps protect against cell damage.
• Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied.
• Potassium: An important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help protect against chronic diseases.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftover sweet potato rounds (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover sweet potato rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet until warmed through.

I find that these are great served with Cranberry Saucee during the holidays!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s tackle some common questions I get about making sweet potato rounds:

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While this recipe is specifically for sweet potatoes, you can certainly use other types of potatoes. However, the flavor and texture will be different. Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes would be good alternatives.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes ahead of time by slicing and seasoning them. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply arrange them on a baking sheet and roast as directed.

Can I freeze these?

While you can freeze cooked sweet potato rounds, the texture may change slightly. They may become a bit softer after thawing. To freeze, let the sweet potato rounds cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat frozen sweet potato rounds?

Reheat frozen sweet potato rounds in the oven or skillet until warmed through. You may need to add a little olive oil to prevent them from drying out.

Can I grill these?

Absolutely! Grilling sweet potato rounds adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof guide to making the most amazing sweet potato rounds! This recipe is so simple and versatile, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy side dish that everyone will love. And if you are looking for some other great recipes, make sure to try these Pecan Pie Cookie Bites or even these Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls for a tasty and sweet dessert.

Lady Maria

Easy Sweet Potato Rounds

These easy sweet potato rounds are a simple yet flavorful side dish that is both healthy and delicious. Roasting intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a tender and slightly caramelized texture that’s sure to please everyone. Customize with your favorite seasonings for a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch to ½-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional seasonings: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey for drizzling

Equipment

• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Large bowl
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly. Peel or scrub well if leaving the skin on.
3. Slice the sweet potatoes into rounds about ¼-inch to ½-inch thick.
4. Place the sweet potato rounds in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
6. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Toss again to ensure even distribution.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
11. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For spicier rounds, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper. For cinnamon-sugar rounds, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before roasting. Store leftover sweet potato rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet. To prevent burning, lower the oven temperature slightly or cover with foil. To prevent sogginess, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.