This tasty dish mixes sweet potatoes that are roasted until golden with a zesty chili honey glaze. The touch of lime juice adds a refreshing kick that makes every bite yummy!
They’re perfect as a side or even as a snack! I can’t resist sneaking some right off the baking sheet while they cool. Just keep them away from me until dinner! 😂
These sweet potatoes are so easy to whip up. Just toss them in the oven with the glaze and enjoy a lovely blend of sweet and spicy flavors that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can work, but the flavors will differ.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the spice. If needed, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good alternatives for those avoiding honey. Both still offer a nice sweetness.
Chili Powder: Adjust the chili powder to your liking, depending on how spicy you want it. If you prefer a milder heat, try smoked paprika or even mild cayenne pepper instead.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness! If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice will work but may lack that fresh kick. Lemon juice can serve as a substitute too.
Cilantro or Parsley: These herbs provide a fresh finish to the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great choice, but you could also use green onions for a different taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Achieving that delicious roasted flavor involves a few important steps. You want to make sure the sweet potatoes are cut evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Make sure to coat the sweet potatoes well with the olive oil and spices so that they caramelize during roasting.
- Place them cut side down on the baking sheet. This allows the sugars to caramelize nicely.
- If they aren’t tender after the recommended time, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them.
Finally, always squeeze that fresh lime juice right before serving for the best flavor! It really makes a difference.
How to Make Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lime Juice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to roast, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a tasty side dish or a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will make sure your sweet potatoes roast perfectly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. After they are clean, pat them dry with a towel. Carefully cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise to create two halves.
3. Whisk Together the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely combined. This sauce is going to add great flavor!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Take the sweet potato halves and brush the cut sides with your honey-chili mixture. Make sure to coat them well so every bite is tasty!
5. Arrange for Roasting:
Place the sweet potato halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will help them roast evenly and prevent sticking.
6. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be tender and caramelized on the edges when they’re done!
7. Add the Lime Juice:
Once your sweet potatoes are out of the oven, take them out carefully. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top of each half for that zesty kick!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the sweet potatoes for a pop of color. Serve them warm on a plate with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their natural sweetness, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or butternut squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Regular potatoes may take a little longer to become tender, so check them at the 30-minute mark.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it altogether. Alternatively, for extra heat, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper! Taste as you go to find the balance that suits you.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sweet potatoes by cutting and coating them with the honey-chili mixture and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the roasting time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, to keep them nice and crispy!
