These Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges are a tasty treat! They combine sweet and spicy flavors that make your taste buds dance. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are just mouthwatering!
When I make these, I can’t help but munch on a few while they bake. They make a perfect side dish or snack, and they’re a great way to enjoy sweet potatoes with a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! Choose large, firm sweet potatoes for easy cutting and even cooking. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash are good substitutes, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness to the wedges. You can use other oils like avocado or canola oil if you prefer or if they’re more available. Just keep the flavor of the oil in mind!
Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the wedges. If you need a substitute, agave syrup works well, or you could use honey if it fits your dietary preferences.
Spices: Chili powder gives heat and flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. If you want a different flavor profile, try using taco seasoning or curry powder instead.
How Do I Get My Wedges Crispy on the Outside?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture on your sweet potato wedges can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help you get it just right:
- Make sure your wedges are cut evenly. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Flipping the wedges halfway through baking allows for even browning and crispiness.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and promotes a golden crust.
Following these tips will ensure your sweet potato wedges come out delicious and crispy every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, washed and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. So in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes before you can dig into those tasty sweet potato wedges!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the wedges will cook evenly and become nice and crispy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Flavorful Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil and maple syrup. Then add the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you like some heat), along with salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and you get a lovely sauce.
3. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to your bowl and toss them gently in the bowl until they’re nicely coated with the maple chili mixture. Make sure every wedge gets its fair share of that delicious sauce!
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the coated sweet potato wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Lay them out in a single layer with the skin side down, making sure they aren’t squished together too tightly. This will help them roast rather than steam.
5. Roast to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and roast the wedges for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so both sides get that perfect crispy texture. You want them tender on the inside and perfectly caramelized on the outside!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Transfer the wedges to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if you’d like some color and extra flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges warm, as a delicious side dish or snack. Get ready to enjoy the fantastic combination of sweet and spicy flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes offer a unique flavor and sweetness, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash as substitutes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Wedges?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! If you’re using maple syrup and not adding any non-vegan toppings, you’re good to go!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. Conversely, for more heat, you can add extra spices or even toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers before baking.