These Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. They make your whole kitchen smell amazing and go with pretty much anything. The garlic butter melts into every golden edge, and the roasted bits? Totally addictive. It’s the kind of side dish you keep going back for.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe came from a holiday dinner where I wanted something different from the usual sugary sweet potato casserole. I tossed some cubes in garlic butter and roasted them up. Now it’s a go-to side all year long.
- It only uses a few ingredients you probably already have
- The garlic butter soaks into every bite
- Roasting brings out the natural sweetness without any sugar
- It pairs with chicken, steak, or even fish
- You can prep it ahead and roast when ready
What You’ll Need
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Cut the sweet potatoes evenly so they roast at the same rate
- Don’t skip the olive oil — it helps the edges crisp up
- Use parchment paper if you want easy cleanup
- Stir halfway through roasting for even browning
- Let them rest a few minutes after roasting so the butter soaks in
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor
- Add chopped rosemary or thyme for an herby twist
- Try smoked paprika or chili flakes for heat
- Swap garlic for shallots if you want something milder
Make Ahead Tips
You can cube the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in water in the fridge. Drain and pat dry before roasting. You can also melt the butter and mix it with the garlic ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Toss the Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed) with the garlic butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until everything is coated evenly.
Step 4: Spread on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Roast Until Golden
Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until sweet potatoes are golden and edges are crispy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer roasted sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crisp.
How Many Servings & Time
Makes about 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Macros Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 7g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Sweet potatoes naturally caramelize when roasted at high heat, bringing out their sweetness. Garlic butter adds fat, which helps with browning, and the olive oil ensures the edges get crisp. The salt and pepper balance the sweet and savory flavors.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting uneven pieces – This leads to some pieces burning while others stay soft
- Not using enough oil – Dry sweet potatoes won’t crisp
- Crowding the pan – Overcrowding traps steam and makes them soggy
- Overcooking garlic – Burned garlic tastes bitter, so keep the heat low
What to Serve With
- Roasted chicken
- Grilled steak
- Baked salmon
- Pork chops
- A fresh green salad
FAQ
Can I use unpeeled sweet potatoes?
Yes, just scrub them well. The skin adds extra texture and nutrients.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
Can I use regular potatoes instead?
You can, but the flavor will be more savory and less sweet.
Can I use pre-cut sweet potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they’re fresh and not too wet. Pat them dry before roasting.