Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are truly the kind of side dish that finds its way into my regular rotation again and again. Each bite is bursting with a rich blend of savory garlic, creamy butter, and the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. The crispy edges and the melt-in-your-mouth tender centers make them downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving these at a cozy family dinner or as part of a holiday spread, this dish never fails to steal the spotlight (and disappear quickly!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This humble list of ingredients proves that the very best recipes don’t have to be complicated. Each one plays an important role in bringing layers of bold flavor, alluring aroma, and a splash of color that makes Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes so special.

• Sweet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes): Look for firm, bright sweet potatoes for the ideal texture and vibrant color once roasted.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Butter brings depth and a gorgeous silky coat to each piece, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Balances the richness of butter and helps the potatoes roast to golden, crispy perfection.
• Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with those signature savory notes that make every bite fragrant and comforting.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the potatoes’ natural sweetness while bringing out all the other flavors in the mix.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and just a kiss of spice to round out the profile.
• Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with both the sweet and savory ingredients.
• Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle smokiness that really sets these roasted sweet potatoes apart from the rest.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish, especially lovely for presentation.

How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 400°F. This temperature is just right for coaxing out the sweet potatoes’ natural sugars and crisping the edges without drying them out. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. The uniform size ensures they’ll roast evenly and get all those delicious—all-over crispy edges. Toss them into a large bowl, ready for their buttery bath.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Coating

Pour the melted butter and olive oil over your cubed sweet potatoes. Next, add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Give everything a thorough toss until each piece is wonderfully coated and speckled with herbs and spices (your kitchen should already smell amazing at this point!).

Step 4: Arrange and Roast

Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding here; space between the cubes means maximum caramelization! Slide the tray into the oven and let them roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender, remove them from the oven. If you love an extra crispy finish, broil them for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye! When they’re done, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a final brush of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, buttery flavors. For special occasions, consider a pinch of flaky sea salt or a little crumbled goat cheese for added luxury.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are delightfully versatile. They pair wonderfully with classic roasted chicken, juicy pork chops, seared salmon, or even alongside a medley of other roasted veggies. Their caramelized surface and garlicky notes make them the perfect companion to just about any main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes into an eye-catching feature by serving them on a rustic wooden platter with lemon wedges and microgreens. For a fun appetizer, skewer roasted cubes with toothpicks or layer them over creamy hummus for a modern twist. They’re also fantastic piled atop a fresh salad for added color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay perfect in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a convenient addition to quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes for meal prep. Arrange cooled cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This step prevents them from sticking together. They’ll keep nicely in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To recapture that just-roasted magic, spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. For a quick option, microwave single servings, but know the texture will be a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cut sweet potatoes from the store?

Absolutely! Using pre-cut sweet potatoes shaves off prep time and works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure the pieces are about 1-inch to ensure even roasting.

What can I use instead of thyme?

If you don’t have dried thyme, rosemary or Italian seasoning both make excellent substitutions. You could also try fresh herbs—just add them toward the end of roasting to prevent burning.

Will this recipe work with yams or other potato varieties?

Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are at their best with true sweet potatoes, but yams or even regular Yukon Gold potatoes can be used. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly, but the garlicky buttery goodness will still shine.

Can I make these completely dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for more olive oil or use a high-quality vegan butter alternative. The result is still rich, flavorful, and beautifully roasted.

How do I make the sweet potatoes extra crispy?

Spread the cubes out in a single layer with plenty of space between them, and finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end. Also patting the potatoes dry before tossing helps achieve crispier edges.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes enough—they’re easy, flavorful, and always a hit at the table. Give them a try and I promise they’ll earn a spot in your own favorites, too! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking bites straight off the pan (I always do!).

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