Get ready to fall in love with the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors in this Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe. Sweet potatoes take center stage, roasted to tender, golden perfection with a smoky paprika kick. Paired with a luscious chipotle mayo that brings a smoky heat balanced by a hint of lime, this dish is an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is an effortless way to bring bold Southwestern-inspired goodness to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that make a world of difference in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component brings a unique touch—smoked paprika adds that signature smoky note, while the creamy chipotle mayo provides a cooling contrast to the roasted sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness.
- 2 large sweet potatoes: Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes for even roasting and a tender inside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the sweet potatoes roast crisp on the outside and stay moist inside.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a deep smoky flavor that’s essential to the dish’s character.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory aroma that complements the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone that elevates the sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the chipotle mayo, offering a cool counterpoint to the spice.
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced): Packs smoky heat that makes the mayo irresistible—adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice: Brightens the chipotle mayo for a refreshing finish.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and herbal flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a beautifully crispy edge while remaining tender inside. Toss them well in a large bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The spice blend is the magic that brings smoky warmth and subtle complexity to each bite.
Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection
Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This setup helps them roast instead of steam, resulting in those coveted browned edges. Roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are tender inside and have a glorious golden crust on the outside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While the sweet potatoes roast, make your chipotle mayo by stirring together mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl. This creamy sauce is where the smoky heat meets bright acidity, perfectly complementing the roasted sweetness of the potatoes. Taste and tweak the heat level by adding more chipotle peppers if you like things more fiery.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the sweet potatoes come out of the oven, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle them generously with the chipotle mayo or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If you’re using fresh cilantro, sprinkle it over the top for a fresh herbal note and a vibrant pop of color. Serve warm to enjoy the wonderful harmony of flavors at their best.
How to Serve Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro isn’t just for show—it adds brightness and a lovely herbal contrast to the smoky richness of the sweet potatoes and mayo. You could also try a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch and zing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a side alongside grilled chicken, Seared steak, or even a vibrant salad. The smoky and spicy flavor profiles complement proteins as well as simple grain bowls. Consider pairing with black beans or quinoa for a full Southwestern-inspired feast that’s sure to delight you and your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe into loaded potato bites by serving the potatoes piled on small appetizer spoons or crisp tostadas. You could even create a colorful bowl with a base of greens, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo as dressing. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chipotle mayo separately in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture.
Freezing
While sweet potatoes freeze well, the texture changes a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze the roasted sweet potatoes on a baking tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Chipotle mayo is best made fresh, but you can freeze small portions if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sweet potatoes in a 375°F oven until warmed through and crisp again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture. Add the chipotle mayo fresh after heating to keep the flavors vibrant and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the mayonnaise with your favorite plant-based mayo to keep the creamy texture and rich flavor while making it vegan-friendly.
How spicy is the chipotle mayo?
The heat level depends on how many chipotle peppers you add. Start with one pepper for mild smoky heat and add a second for a bolder kick. Remember, the adobo sauce also carries some heat.
Can I use sweet potatoes with the skin on?
You can, but peeling ensures a uniform texture and makes the cubes easier to eat. If you prefer skin-on, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and note that the skin will add a bit more chew and earthiness.
What is the best way to achieve crispy sweet potatoes?
Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with oil and spread them in a single layer without overcrowding. Roasting at a high temperature and flipping halfway through helps develop crispy edges.
How far in advance can I make the chipotle mayo?
You can prepare the chipotle mayo up to 5 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen nicely if given time, making it a convenient make-ahead component.
Final Thoughts
This Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe is truly one of my favorite ways to bring simple ingredients to life with bold, unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this dish lends a warm, vibrant vibe to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and discover just how easy and satisfying it is to enjoy smoky roasted sweet potatoes paired with that dreamy chipotle mayo. Happy cooking!
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Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Southwestern-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo is a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish featuring tender, golden roasted sweet potato cubes seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin. Served with a creamy, zesty chipotle mayonnaise, this Southwestern-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chipotle Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure they become tender and golden brown on all sides.
- Make Chipotle Mayo: While the sweet potatoes roast, combine the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the number of chipotle peppers to increase or reduce the heat to your preference.
- Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the chipotle mayo on top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- The chipotle mayo can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute regular mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise alternative.
- This dish works well as a side or an appetizer for gatherings and complements Southwestern or Mexican-inspired meals.
