I’m so happy to share this Spicy-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe with you! These sweet potatoes are tossed in a bold mix of spices and a little brown sugar, then roasted until they are golden and slightly crispy on the edges. You get sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors all in one bite. It is a simple side dish that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 37 minutes
Prep Time: about 7 minutes
Cook Time: about 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made roasted sweet potatoes with a spicy twist. The smell coming from the oven was warm and cozy, and I could not wait to taste them.
This recipe takes naturally sweet sweet potatoes and adds a mix of chili powder, paprika, cayenne, and brown sugar. The oil helps them brown in the oven, while the spices create a sweet and spicy coating. They are great for family dinners, meal prep, or even breakfast with eggs on top.
How to Make Spicy-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are all about bold flavor and simple steps. Here is how it all comes together:
• Sweet potatoes peeled and cut into small bite sized cubes
• Olive oil to help them roast and turn golden
• Brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
• Chili powder and paprika for warmth
• Onion powder and black pepper for extra flavor
• Cayenne pepper for a little heat
• A hot oven that brings everything together
It is a colorful, flavor packed side dish that is easy to prepare and hard to stop eating.
Ingredients
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
This high heat helps the sweet potatoes brown nicely. - Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small, even cubes about 1/2 inch in size.
Try to keep the pieces close in size so they cook evenly. - Add the Oil:
Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss to coat. - Season the Potatoes:
Add the brown sugar, salt, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Stir well so every piece is coated in the spice mixture. - Spread on Baking Sheet:
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet.
Spread them out in a single layer so they roast instead of steam. - Bake the First Round:
Bake for about 15 minutes.
The edges should start to look slightly golden. - Stir and Finish Baking:
Stir the sweet potatoes gently.
Bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until they are browned on the outside and tender inside. Watch carefully so they do not burn. - Serve Warm:
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Process Details
• Small, Even Pieces: Cutting the sweet potatoes into small cubes helps them cook faster and brown better.
• Oil Coating: The oil helps the spices stick and encourages crisp edges in the oven.
• Sweet and Spicy Balance: The brown sugar adds sweetness, while the cayenne and chili powder add gentle heat.
• Single Layer Roasting: Spreading them out gives each piece space to roast and caramelize.
• Stirring Halfway: Turning them once during baking helps all sides brown evenly.
Tips for Success
• If you like a smoky flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• For extra freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, use two pans if needed.
• Watch closely during the last few minutes, sweet potatoes can brown quickly.
• You can swap vegetable oil for olive oil if that is what you have on hand.
Serving Ideas
• Dinner Side: Serve with chicken, pork, or beef for a colorful plate.
• Breakfast Bowl: Top with over easy eggs for a sweet and savory breakfast.
• Salad Add In: Toss leftovers into a green salad with a little feta cheese.
• Taco Filling: Mix with black beans for vegetarian tacos or quesadillas.
• Holiday Table: Add them to your Thanksgiving or fall dinner spread.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days.
• Reheating in Oven: Warm at about 350 degrees until heated through.
• Reheating in Air Fryer: Heat for a few minutes to bring back some crisp edges.
• Freezing: You can freeze them in a sealed container for up to about 2 months, but the texture may be softer after thawing and reheating.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~327
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fat: ~11g
• Fiber: ~8g
• Sodium: ~580mg
• Sugar: ~14g
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and just a little heat. They are easy to prepare, full of color, and packed with bold flavor that makes simple meals feel more exciting.
I hope you give this recipe a try soon. Once you taste that sweet and spicy coating with those crispy edges, it may become one of your favorite ways to cook sweet potatoes. Enjoy!
