Cajun Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Printable Version)

Oven-roasted sweet potato rounds tossed in spicy Cajun blend, offering a crispy and flavorful treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (about 28 oz), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

→ Seasonings

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/4 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/4 tsp dried thyme
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
12 - Lemon wedges

# Steps:

01 - Set oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss sweet potato slices with olive oil until evenly coated.
03 - Combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl.
04 - Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Lay sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Roast for 15 minutes, then flip each slice and continue roasting an additional 12 to 15 minutes until golden and edges are slightly crispy.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and naturally sweet on the inside, which means you get the best of both worlds without any fussing.
  • The spice blend is bold enough to make you feel like you're eating something special, but not so intense that it overpowers the sweet potato's actual flavor.
  • Ten minutes of prep and thirty minutes in the oven means you can have an impressive side dish ready before most people finish chopping their vegetables.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flip halfway through—the first side gets the heat from below while the second side relies on the flip to get evenly golden and crispy.
  • If your slices are too thin, they'll turn into chips before they're tender inside; if they're too thick, they'll still be slightly hard when the edges burn, so aim for that steady half-inch.
03 -
  • Always peel your sweet potatoes right before slicing to prevent oxidation and that grayish discoloration that makes them look less appetizing.
  • If you're using homemade Cajun seasoning, keep it in an airtight jar and make a batch when you can so you always have it ready for moments like this.
Go Back