Introduction
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries. Roasted to perfection, they offer a sweet and savory taste that is enhanced with a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This simple recipe makes it easy to prepare crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries that are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a satisfying snack.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 lbs sweet potatoes, washed and peeled (2 medium to large size sweet potatoes)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15-20 minutes
Total Time
25-30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the sweet potato fries.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the fries from sticking to the pan and make for easier cleaning.
Step 3: Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Using a sharp non-serrated knife, carefully slice the washed and peeled sweet potatoes into thin wedges or 1/4-inch strips. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Coat with Olive Oil
Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large Ziploc bag. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seal the bag tightly, and shake it to coat the fries evenly.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Add 2 teaspoons of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the bag. Seal it tightly again and shake to distribute the seasonings evenly over the fries.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Pan
Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries onto the prepared baking pan in a single layer. This is crucial for achieving crispiness.
Step 7: Bake the Fries
Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to allow both sides to brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Add Parmesan Cheese
Once the fries are removed from the oven, immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fries. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the fries as desired (consider fresh herbs or additional cheese). Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
Note 1: Sweet Potato Quality
Choose firm sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
Note 2: Adjusting Seasonings
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more cayenne for extra heat or choose different spices like paprika for variety.
Note 3: Storage
Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
These sweet potato fries pair well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven to 425°F ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.
Cutting Sweet Potatoes
Slice sweet potatoes into thin wedges or 1/4-inch strips for uniform cooking. This allows for even crisping and helps to avoid undercooked portions.
Using a Ziploc Bag for Coating
Utilizing a large Ziploc bag to mix the olive oil and seasonings with the sweet potatoes helps in coating them evenly without creating a mess.
Baking in a Single Layer
Spreading the seasoned fries in a single layer ensures that they cook evenly and develop a crispy texture without steaming.
Flipping the Fries
Flipping the fries halfway through cooking promotes even browning and prevents one side from becoming too dark while the other remains undercooked.
Immediate Cheese Sprinkling
Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese immediately after removing the fries from the oven allows the cheese to melt slightly and adhere to the warm fries, enhancing flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can be used, but cooking times may vary.
How can I make the fries crispier?
For crispier fries, try soaking the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking or increase the baking time slightly.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option or use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
Are these fries healthy?
Yes, sweet potatoes are nutritious and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When baked with minimal oil, they are a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
Can I prepare the fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the sweet potatoes and store them in water in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking to prevent browning.
Conclusion
These crispy Parmesan sweet potato fries are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fries. The combination of olive oil, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful dish that is perfect as a side or snack. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious taste with your favorite dips or alongside a variety of main courses.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet Potato Wedges with Herb Dip
Serve the sweet potato fries with a tangy herb yogurt dip made from Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice.
Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
Top the fries with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream for a loaded version.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Use baked sweet potato fries as a filling for tacos, combined with black beans, avocado, and your choice of salsa.
Sweet Potato Fries Salad
Toss crispy sweet potato fries with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a hearty salad.
Parmesan Sweet Potato Bake
Layer sweet potato slices in a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and herbs, then bake until tender for a cheesy side dish.
