Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges

In our house, weeknight dinners are often a dance between healthy, quick, and – most importantly – delicious. Finding a side dish that ticks all those boxes can sometimes feel like searching for a culinary unicorn. That was until I stumbled upon these Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges. Honestly, from the first bite, they were a revelation. My kids, who can be notoriously picky about vegetables, devoured them with gusto, practically licking their plates clean. My partner, always appreciative of a good balance of flavors, declared them “restaurant-worthy.” And me? Well, I was thrilled to have a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy side that elevated even the simplest main course. The magic lies in the glaze – a perfectly balanced blend of sweet maple syrup, savory soy sauce, and a touch of tangy vinegar that transforms humble sweet potatoes into something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side for a holiday gathering, a healthy addition to your weeknight meals, or just a way to make vegetables exciting again, these Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfectly Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges

To create these irresistible Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges, you’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• Sweet Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (about 2 medium) The star of the show! Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by the glaze, making them incredibly delicious.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons Essential for roasting, olive oil helps the wedges crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle fruity flavor. You can use extra virgin or regular olive oil.
• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons This natural sweetener provides the base for our glaze, adding a warm, rich sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon A crucial ingredient for balancing the sweetness, soy sauce brings a savory, umami depth to the glaze that is absolutely addictive. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon A touch of acidity is key to cutting through the sweetness and adding brightness to the glaze. Apple cider vinegar provides a mild tang that enhances all the other flavors.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon For a hint of savory warmth, garlic powder adds a subtle aromatic complexity that rounds out the glaze beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon This spice brings a subtle smoky depth to the wedges, adding another layer of flavor that elevates them beyond ordinary roasted sweet potatoes.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and balances the sweetness, creating a more complex and well-rounded flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Delicious Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges

Making these mouthwatering Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps to promote even browning by preventing the bottoms of the wedges from getting too dark too quickly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds texture, nutrients, and a rustic charm to the wedges. Using a sharp knife, cut each sweet potato lengthwise in half. Then, place the flat side down and cut each half into wedges, about ½ to ¾ inch thick at the widest part. Aim for wedges that are relatively uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Combine the olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and emulsified, creating a smooth and slightly thickened glaze. The maple syrup will naturally thicken slightly as it mixes with the other ingredients.
4. Toss the Sweet Potato Wedges with Glaze: Place the prepared sweet potato wedges in a large bowl. Pour the glaze over the wedges. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss the wedges to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze. Make sure every wedge is glistening with the glaze, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there to really massage the glaze into all the nooks and crannies of the wedges.
5. Arrange Wedges on Baking Sheet: Spread the glazed sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the wedges instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy wedges rather than crispy ones. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the wedges have enough space. Arrange them skin-side down for optimal browning and crispiness.
6. Season with Salt and Pepper: Before placing the baking sheet in the oven, season the wedges generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly over all the wedges to enhance their flavor and bring out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory notes of the glaze.
7. Roast the Sweet Potato Wedges: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. After about 15 minutes, carefully flip the wedges using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Continue roasting until the wedges are tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy on the edges. The exact roasting time may vary slightly depending on the size of your wedges and your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time.
8. Serve and Garnish (Optional): Once the Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to thicken slightly and the wedges to become even more flavorful. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, you can garnish the wedges with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve them warm as a delicious side dish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges (per serving)

These Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are not only delicious but also offer a good source of nutrients. Here’s a glimpse into the nutritional profile per serving (estimated, based on typical ingredients and recipe):

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges

These Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are a fantastic choice when you need a flavorful and impressive side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (washing and cutting sweet potatoes, making glaze)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (roasting in the oven)
• Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes

From start to finish, you can have these delicious Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges on your table in under 45 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining guests and need a side dish that’s both easy and impressive. The hands-on time is minimal, mostly involving prepping the sweet potatoes and whisking together the glaze, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax while they roast to golden perfection in the oven.

How to Serve Your Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges

Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to complement different meals and occasions. Their sweet and savory flavor profile makes them a fantastic pairing for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As a Side Dish for Main Courses:
  • Roasted Chicken or Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the wedges perfectly complements the savory flavors of roasted or grilled chicken.
  • Baked Salmon or Grilled Fish: The glaze adds a delightful contrast to the richness of salmon or other types of fish.
  • Steak or Burgers: For a satisfying and flavorful meal, serve these wedges alongside steak or burgers for a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
  • Vegetarian Mains: They pair beautifully with vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf, black bean burgers, or grilled halloumi cheese.
  • Pork Tenderloin (if not strictly adhering to “no pork”): While the recipe is vegetable-focused, for those not strictly avoiding pork, glazed sweet potato wedges are a classic pairing with pork tenderloin.
• As Part of a Bowl Meal:
  • Grain Bowls: Add these wedges to grain bowls with quinoa, brown rice, or farro, along with other roasted vegetables, greens, and a protein source for a complete and nutritious meal.
  • Buddha Bowls: Incorporate them into Buddha bowls with avocado, chickpeas, sprouts, and a tahini dressing for a vibrant and healthy vegetarian bowl.
• With Dipping Sauces:
  • Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli provides a delicious and classic dipping sauce for sweet potato wedges.
  • Spicy Mayo: For a bit of heat, serve them with spicy mayonnaise made with sriracha or chipotle peppers.
  • Yogurt Dip: A cooling yogurt dip with herbs like dill or mint offers a refreshing contrast to the warm wedges.
  • Honey Mustard: The sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard is a natural complement to glazed sweet potatoes.
• As an Appetizer or Snack:
  • Party Platter: Arrange the wedges on a platter with various dips and other appetizers for a crowd-pleasing snack at parties or gatherings.
  • Game Day Snack: They make a fantastic and healthier alternative to fries or chips for game day.
• Garnish Ideas:
  • Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme over the wedges for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a nice textural contrast.
  • Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the wedges before serving.
  • Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a fresh element.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are sure to be a hit!

Additional Tips for Perfect Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges Every Time

To ensure your Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are consistently delicious and perfectly cooked, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Cut Wedges Uniformly: For even cooking, try to cut your sweet potato wedges into roughly the same size and thickness. This ensures that all the wedges cook at the same rate and are tender and caramelized at the same time. Unevenly sized wedges may result in some being undercooked and others being overcooked.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your sweet potato wedges space to breathe! Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the wedges to steam instead of roast, leading to soggy wedges. If necessary, use two baking sheets and spread the wedges in a single layer with some space between them to promote proper browning and crisping.
3. Adjust Glaze Sweetness to Taste: The recipe calls for maple syrup, but you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly. Alternatively, if you like them sweeter, you can add a little more. Taste the glaze before tossing the wedges to ensure it suits your taste.
4. Roast at High Temperature: Roasting at a higher temperature (400°F/200°C) is key to getting crispy edges and tender interiors on your sweet potato wedges. The higher heat helps to caramelize the sugars in the sweet potatoes and the glaze, creating that desirable slightly crispy exterior.
5. Flip Wedges Halfway Through: Flipping the wedges halfway through the roasting time is crucial for even browning and cooking on all sides. This ensures that both sides of the wedges get that lovely caramelized glaze and crispy texture.
6. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is highly recommended. It prevents the wedges from sticking to the pan, making flipping easier, and most importantly, it makes cleanup a breeze. No more scrubbing sticky glaze off your baking sheet!
7. Consider Adding Spices: While smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky flavor, feel free to experiment with other spices to customize your glaze. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warmth and sweetness, while a dash of chili flakes can add a touch of heat. Ginger powder or cumin are also interesting spice additions to explore.
8. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the wedges towards the end of the roasting time. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized, but not burnt. Overbaking can make them dry. They are ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and have a nice golden-brown color with slightly crispy edges.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges every single time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges (FAQ)

Got questions about making the best Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges? Here are answers to some common queries to help you succeed:

Q1: Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

A: Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners. Honey or agave nectar would both work well as alternatives. Keep in mind that honey has a slightly different flavor profile than maple syrup, which might subtly alter the overall taste of the glaze. Agave is sweeter than maple syrup, so you may want to use slightly less. Brown sugar could also be used, but you would need to dissolve it in a bit of warm water or olive oil before mixing it with the other glaze ingredients to ensure it blends smoothly.

Q2: Can I add other spices to the glaze?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your spice rack. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would add a warm, cozy flavor, especially during fall and winter. For a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Garlic powder can be substituted or complemented with onion powder. Cumin or coriander could also offer a unique and savory twist. Experiment to find your favorite spice combinations!

Q3: Can I make these sweet potato wedges ahead of time?

A: While Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges are best served fresh and warm for optimal crispiness, you can prepare them partially ahead of time. You can cut the sweet potatoes into wedges and make the glaze up to a day in advance. Store the cut wedges in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning, and keep the glaze in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, drain and dry the wedges thoroughly, toss them with the glaze, and roast as directed. Roasting them just before serving is recommended for the best texture.

Q4: How do I prevent the wedges from becoming soggy?

A: Soggy wedges are often a result of overcrowding the baking sheet, which leads to steaming instead of roasting. Ensure you spread the wedges in a single layer with space between them. Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) and flipping them halfway through also helps to achieve crispiness. Make sure the sweet potatoes are relatively dry before tossing them with the glaze, and don’t add too much glaze, as excess moisture can also contribute to sogginess.

Q5: Can I grill these Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges instead of roasting them?

A: Yes, grilling is a great alternative! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the glazed sweet potato wedges in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates (making sure they don’t fall through). Grill for about 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor that complements the glaze beautifully.

Q6: Are Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges healthy?

A: Yes, in moderation, they can be a healthy side dish. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Roasting is a healthier cooking method than frying. While the glaze contains maple syrup, it’s used in moderation and adds flavor without being overly sugary. Using olive oil instead of excessive amounts of butter or other less healthy fats also contributes to making this a relatively healthier side option compared to heavily processed alternatives.

Q7: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply double or triple all the ingredients proportionally to accommodate a larger number of servings. Just make sure you use larger baking sheets or multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding when roasting. You might need to roast in batches if your oven space is limited.

Q8: What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges?

A: Store leftover wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker and crispier result. Microwaving is an option for speed, but they may become a bit softer and less crispy.

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