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Cozy Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Butter

crispy smashed sweet potatoes - featured image

Crispy-edged smashed sweet potatoes with tender, creamy centers, topped with a fluffy cinnamon butter that melts into every nook and cranny. A cozy, comforting side dish perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 8 ounces each)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for finishing)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Do not peel them. Pat them dry.
  3. Prick each sweet potato a few times with a fork.
  4. Place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. While the potatoes roast, make the cinnamon butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Mash and stir with a fork until well combined and fluffy. Set aside at room temperature.
  6. Let the roasted potatoes cool for 5-10 minutes until cool enough to handle but still warm.
  7. Smash the potatoes: Place each sweet potato on the baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press down until the potato flattens to about ½-inch thick.
  8. Drizzle with olive oil, brushing to spread evenly into all cracks. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
  9. Roast for another 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Dollop each smashed sweet potato with a generous spoonful of cinnamon butter. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the cooling step before smashing—hot potatoes will turn to mush. Use a fork to test doneness; under-roasted potatoes won’t crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cinnamon butter is best at room temperature. For extra crispiness, flip potatoes halfway through second roast.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed sweet potatoes, crispy sweet potatoes, cinnamon butter, roasted sweet potatoes, comfort food, holiday side dish, gluten-free