A simple yet elegant side dish that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a flavor-packed delight. The sweetness of the potatoes is perfectly balanced by the savory garlic, salty Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (freshly minced is best!)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated (freshly grated is preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (ensure it’s fresh for maximum flavor)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional but highly recommended)
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is crucial for even cooking and caramelization of the sweet potatoes. Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature for the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove all the skin. Then, slice them into consistent ¼-inch thick rounds. Consistency is key to ensure even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform thickness, but be extremely careful when using one! If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife and a steady hand will work just fine. Discard any irregularly shaped end pieces or use them in a soup or stew later.
Step 3: Create the flavor infusion. In a large resealable plastic bag (a gallon-sized bag works well) or a large bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, melted butter, garlic salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning blend. Seal the bag tightly (if using a bag) or toss well with tongs (if using a bowl). Make sure the sweet potatoes are coated evenly with the mixture. This ensures that every slice is infused with the delicious flavors. Massage the bag gently to evenly distribute the seasonings. If using a bowl, stir until every slice is coated.
Step 4: Arrange the sweet potatoes. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal, but any similarly sized dish will work. Arrange the coated sweet potato slices in a spiral pattern in the prepared baking dish. Starting from the center of the dish and working outwards creates an appealing presentation. Overlapping the slices slightly is fine, but avoid overcrowding the dish, as this can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Step 5: Roast the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the fresh thyme sprigs over the top of the arranged sweet potatoes. This adds a delightful aroma and visual appeal. If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top for extra cheesy goodness. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes. Check the sweet potatoes towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning. They are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and slightly caramelized around the edges. The edges should be golden brown. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This roasted sweet potato recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and simple instructions, even novice cooks can whip up a delicious and impressive side dish. Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a wide range of main courses, from roasted chicken and grilled steak to vegetarian options like lentil loaf or stuffed bell peppers. Thirdly, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of sweet potatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweet and savory combination is hard to resist, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Beyond taste, it’s also a relatively healthy option. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this dish a guilt-free pleasure. And finally, it’s visually appealing. The spiral arrangement and the vibrant orange color of the sweet potatoes, combined with the green thyme and golden Parmesan, make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a side dish with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon.
- Serve alongside a hearty vegetarian main course like lentil shepherd’s pie or stuffed acorn squash.
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tahini dressing.
- Serve as part of a holiday meal, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Enjoy as a warm and satisfying snack.
Tips:
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the sweet potato slices.
- If the sweet potatoes start to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
- For a crispier texture, broil the sweet potatoes for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Rosemary, sage, or smoked paprika would all be delicious additions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
Conclusion:
This Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy and delicious addition to your weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. The simplicity of the preparation and the delightful taste make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of sweet potato perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Can I use different types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
- A: Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a nutty and savory flavor, you can easily substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a tangier flavor, try feta cheese, as suggested in the original notes. Just be mindful of the salt content, as some cheeses are saltier than others, and adjust the garlic salt accordingly.
- Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can prep certain elements ahead of time. You can peel and slice the sweet potatoes and store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. You can also mix the olive oil, melted butter, garlic, garlic salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a separate container. Just combine everything right before roasting for the best results. However, keep in mind that assembled potatoes are better to cook them right away to avoid oxidization.
- Q: My sweet potatoes are browning too quickly. What should I do?
- A: If you notice the sweet potatoes browning too quickly, especially around the edges, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to slow down the browning process while still allowing the potatoes to cook through. Alternatively, you can lower the oven temperature slightly and increase the cooking time.
- Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
- A: While fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma and flavor, you can certainly use dried thyme in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of the fresh thyme sprigs. However, keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so start with less and add more to taste.
- Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?
- A: Store any leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a quick and easy option, but for the best texture, reheat them in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop with a little bit of olive oil.
