These Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges are a tasty treat! They combine the sweetness of maple syrup with a little kick from chili. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish!
Honestly, what’s better than crispy sweet potatoes that are sweet and spicy? I make these often and they never last long! Just toss them with the sauce, bake, and enjoy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! I recommend using large, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture when baked. If you’re in a pinch, you can use butternut squash as a substitute for a similar flavor.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a lovely sweetness. For a budget-friendly option, you can use honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will vary slightly.
Chili Powder: This spice adds a nice heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you could reduce the amount, or try smoked paprika alone for a warm flavor without the heat.
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the wedges get crispy. You can use avocado oil or canola oil instead if you prefer. Just stick with an oil that has a high smoke point!
How Do I Get My Sweet Potato Wedges Crispy?
Crispiness is key to delicious sweet potato wedges. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect texture:
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes evenly, so they cook uniformly. Aim for wedges about 1 inch thick.
- Give the wedges enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam the potatoes instead of roasting them.
- Flipping halfway through helps them brown evenly on both sides. Don’t skip this step!
- For extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of cornstarch to the sweet potatoes before tossing them in the oil and seasoning.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy crispy, flavorful sweet potato wedges every time!
Delicious Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
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 (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red chili flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy and quick recipe that yields delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the perfect temperature to get those wedges nice and crispy. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare the sweet potatoes!
2. Mix the Glaze:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, maple syrup, chili powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until it’s all combined into a smooth glaze. This will be the delicious coating for our sweet potato wedges!
3. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges into the bowl with the glaze. Toss everything together until the wedges are thoroughly coated in the maple chili mixture. Make sure each wedge gets a nice covering—it makes all the difference!
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Now, take a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and arrange the coated wedges in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet—this helps them crisp up nicely!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip the wedges halfway through cooking so they brown evenly. You’re looking for them to be tender inside with slightly crispy edges, yum!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the wedges are done baking, take them out of the oven and place them on a serving platter. If you like a bit of extra heat, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top and, if you wish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these warm as a delightful snack or side dish. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, spicy, and savory treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While sweet potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their natural sweetness, you can also try using regular potatoes like russets or Yukon golds. Just keep in mind that the flavors will be different, and you’ll want to adjust cooking times accordingly, as regular potatoes may take a bit longer to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave syrup works well as a substitute. They provide sweetness, but the flavor will change slightly; for a more intense taste, consider using brown sugar dissolved in a little water.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato wedges and toss them in the glaze up to one day in advance. Just refrigerate them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again!
