If you are looking to jazz up your snack or side dish repertoire, the Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with an irresistibly creamy and smoky chipotle mayo dip that will keep you coming back for more. Not only packing a punch of flavor, it’s simple to make and offers a delightful play of textures and spices that can brighten up any meal or party spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings a unique personality to the final dish. From the earthy sweet potatoes to the smoky spices and tangy chipotle mayo, it’s all about balance and bold flavors.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a hearty texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to crisp up the wedges beautifully while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This delivers the essential smoky flavor that defines the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth to the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the sweet potatoes.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild bite and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the chipotle mayo, adding mellow richness.
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce: Packs smoky heat that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 lime, juiced: Gives a fresh, citrusy zing to brighten the mayo.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the mayo with a hint of savory flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic notes to the dip.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Used again to balance and finalize the flavor of the chipotle mayo.
How to Make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures the sweet potatoes get tender inside and develop crispy, caramelized edges that are just irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Toss those vibrant sweet potato wedges with olive oil and the spice blend – smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This coating brings a smoky, mildly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness and helps create a beautifully crisp exterior during roasting.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Arrange the seasoned wedges on a baking sheet, giving them a bit of space so they roast evenly rather than steam. Pop them in the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye out for tender insides and crispy edges that are golden and slightly charred. This combination of textures is what makes the dish stand out.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While your sweet potatoes are roasting, mix up the chipotle mayo. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle pepper sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until creamy and smooth. This sauce is smoky and tangy with a touch of heat, the perfect partner for your roasted sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted to crispy perfection, transfer them to a serving platter alongside your homemade chipotle mayo. Dip, drizzle, or slather generously – this recipe is all about indulgent bites packed with smoky sweetness and bold flavor.
How to Serve Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and add an extra layer of flavor by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of extra lime over the potatoes just before serving. A light dusting of coarse sea salt can also create a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy mayo.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or a fresh salad. The smoky, spicy-sweet profile complements everything from smoky BBQ chicken to a crisp green salad with avocado. It can also be a satisfying vegetarian meal when paired with a salad or grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sweet potatoes in rustic paper cones or small bowls for an easy party appetizer. You can also arrange them on a large platter with dollops of chipotle mayo spaced around for guests to help themselves. For a fun twist, turn it into loaded sweet potato nachos by layering with black beans, cheese, and fresh jalapeños.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smoky roasted sweet potatoes and chipotle mayo can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the dip separate ensures the wedges don’t get soggy and stay crispy when reheated.
Freezing
While sweet potatoes are best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispiness, you can freeze roasted wedges by spreading them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They keep well for about 1 month, though the texture may soften slightly upon reheating. The chipotle mayo is best not frozen as the texture may change.
Reheating
To revive that crispy exterior, reheat your sweet potatoes in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them mushy. Serve immediately with fresh chipotle mayo for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?
You can, but smoked paprika adds a signature smoky depth that’s key to this recipe. If you only have regular paprika, consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke or a touch more chipotle pepper sauce to compensate.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of heat is mild to moderate, balanced by the sweetness of the potatoes and creamy mayo. You can adjust the chipotle pepper sauce amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I use another type of potato?
Sweet potatoes have a unique sweetness and texture that complement the smoky and spicy elements perfectly. You could try this with regular potatoes, but expect a different flavor profile and less natural sweetness.
Is the chipotle mayo vegan?
The classic chipotle mayo in this recipe uses regular mayonnaise, which contains eggs. To make it vegan, substitute with a plant-based mayo and ensure your chipotle sauce is vegan-friendly.
What if I don’t have chipotle pepper sauce?
If you don’t have chipotle pepper sauce on hand, smoked paprika combined with a dash of hot sauce can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich and smoky.
Final Thoughts
This Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe is a perfect blend of bold flavors, textures, and ease that anyone can whip up. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving a satisfying snack, these potatoes with their creamy, smoky dip will never disappoint. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish as much as I do!
Print
Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious smoky roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder, served alongside a zesty chipotle mayo dipping sauce. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, ideal as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Chipotle Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly and achieving a crispy exterior.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are well coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned sweet potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Make Chipotle Mayo: While the potatoes are roasting, combine mayonnaise, chipotle pepper sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Plate the roasted sweet potatoes and serve them warm alongside the chipotle mayo for dipping.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness of the chipotle mayo by adding more or less chipotle pepper sauce to your taste.
- For extra crispiness, spread the sweet potatoes out on the baking sheet so they aren’t touching each other.
- If you prefer, substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a slightly different taste and higher smoke point.
- This recipe can be made gluten free and vegetarian as is.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
