Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
If you’re looking for an irresistibly flavorful side dish that can steal the spotlight on any dinner table, Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, caramelized cubes of sweet potato tossed in just the right touch of smoky, spicy seasoning, paired with a creamy, zesty chipotle mayo that’s impossible to resist! This dish is made for sharing, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to something outrageously delicious and a little bit bold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients that each play a starring role in the joy of every bite. The colors are as inviting as the flavors, with a balance of rich, smoky warmth and tangy, citrusy brightness. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness roasts up beautifully, turning golden and tender with irresistible caramelized edges.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices cling, ensuring every bite is flavorful and crispy.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers that all-important smoky depth that sets this dish apart.
- Garlic powder: Brings mellow savory notes, emphasizing the sweet potatoes’ earthiness.
- Chili powder: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the bold flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite and rounds out the spice blend.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for that dreamy chipotle mayo sauce.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: Brings smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy notes to the sauce—adjust to match your heat preference!
- Lime juice: Lifts and brightens, so every dollop of mayo has a zingy finish.
- Honey: Adds a luscious touch of sweetness, uniting all the contrasting flavors.
- Fresh cilantro: A shower of fresh, herby green to finish it all off and make the plate pop.
How to Make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), which gives those sweet potatoes the high heat they need to brown beautifully without getting mushy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, you want that easy cleanup and non-stick guarantee!
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings and Potatoes
In a spacious bowl, combine the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss them generously, making sure every piece is well coated with the smoky spice mixture. This is where the flavor magic really happens!
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread those seasoned sweet potatoes on your lined baking sheet in a single layer—no crowding! Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to encourage even caramelization. You’re looking for crisp edges and tender centers that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While the potatoes roast, whisk together mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and add a bit more chipotle if you want extra heat. The result? A creamy, smoky, tangy sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
When the sweet potatoes are out of the oven, serve them piled high on a platter. Drizzle generously with chipotle mayo (or keep it on the side if you’re a dipper at heart). Sprinkle with plenty of chopped cilantro for an aromatic, colorful finish. The final flourish ties it all together and makes this dish a true showstopper.
How to Serve Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
Garnishes
To maximize both visual appeal and flavor, freshly chopped cilantro is a must—its bright green color and lively aroma bring balance to every plate. If you like, add a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a fresh squeeze of lime for an extra zing right before serving.
Side Dishes
Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo shine alongside a variety of mains. Think grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even spicy black bean tacos. They also play well in big grain bowls, tucked beside a fresh green salad or scooped up with warm tortillas for a modern twist on Mexican-inspired meals.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish makes a fantastic party appetizer served straight from a slate platter, or as bite-sized skewers for dipping in the chipotle mayo. For a fun twist, toss any leftovers into a wrap or atop your favorite greens for a hearty lunch salad that’s anything but boring!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the potatoes and sauce separately to prevent sogginess for the best texture when served later.
Freezing
While you can freeze roasted sweet potatoes, keep in mind the texture may soften once thawed. Spread cooled potato cubes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without any mayo or cilantro toppings.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy goodness, reheat the sweet potatoes in a hot oven (about 400°F or 200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. The chipotle mayo sauce is best enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature rather than reheated.
FAQs
Can I make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo. The chipotle and lime flavors come through just as deliciously, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends mainly on how much chipotle in adobo you use. Start with less for a milder kick and adjust upward to suit your taste. The mayo helps mellow out the heat, too.
Can I use other kinds of potatoes?
While sweet potatoes really shine here, you can definitely try this with regular Yukon gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind the sweetness and texture will be different, but the smoky seasoning and chipotle mayo still work wonders!
Is there a lower-fat option for the chipotle mayo?
Yes! For a lighter dip, substitute half (or all) of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It yields a tangy, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the roasted potatoes.
What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for even roasting?
Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes is ideal—this size roasts quickly yet gives you plenty of that perfect caramelized exterior. Try to keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking throughout.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo enough. The blend of warm spices, natural sweetness, and zesty sauce will quickly make this your go-to side dish for any occasion. Give it a try and watch these bold, colorful flavors win over everyone at your table!
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Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a smoky, spicy kick from chipotle mayo. Perfect for any meal, these roasted sweet potatoes are easy to make and sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast sweet potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Make chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey until smooth. Adjust chipotle for spice level.
- Serve: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving platter, drizzle with chipotle mayo, or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayo.
- These potatoes pair perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a grain bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
