These tasty maple chili sweet potato wedges are a perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Roasted to golden perfection, they make a great side dish or snack.
Trust me, the combination of maple syrup and chili powder is a total winner. I love serving these with a dip—they disappear so fast, it’s like they never existed! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They add natural sweetness and a lovely color. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but the flavors will change. Japanese sweet potatoes are also a great choice because they’re super sweet!
Maple Syrup: This gives a delightful sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, agave syrup or honey can work. Just note honey isn’t vegan!
Chili Powder: This is essential for that spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to your taste. If you’re looking for less heat, try a mild paprika or even cayenne pepper for more spice. You can also use a taco seasoning mix in a pinch!
Garlic Powder: This adds a nice flavor boost. Fresh minced garlic would work well too, but add it carefully as fresh can be stronger. If you want to skip it, the dish will still be tasty.
How Do I Ensure My Wedges Are Crispy?
For perfectly crispy sweet potato wedges, follow these tips:
- Cut the wedges evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space around each wedge to allow for air circulation.
- For extra crispiness, try soaking the cut wedges in water for 30 minutes before cooking. This removes some starch and can help with browning.
- Flipping halfway through cooking helps achieve an even golden color and crispness.
These small steps can really make a difference in the final result! Happy cooking!
Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional for depth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to roast in the oven. So you’ll be enjoying these tasty wedges in about 40 minutes total. That’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps get the wedges crispy when they roast. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Once they’re clean, cut each sweet potato into even wedges, aiming for about 8 wedges per potato. Try to keep them similar in size for even cooking.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, add the olive oil, maple syrup, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth marinade. It should smell delicious already!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them well to ensure each wedge is coated evenly with that flavorful mixture. Get your hands in there if you need to—it’s fun!
5. Arrange and Roast:
Spread the coated wedges out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching too much—this helps them get crispy. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to get that nice golden brown color on all sides.
6. Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, transfer your wedges to a serving platter and sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm as a tasty side dish or snack. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and spicy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute with regular potatoes, but they will have a different flavor and texture. Yukon gold or red potatoes work well if you want a similar but less sweet option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through for that crispy texture again!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan as it uses maple syrup for sweetness. Just be sure to check your maple syrup label to ensure it’s pure and not mixed with any honey.
Can I Add More Spice to the Wedges?
Of course! If you like it spicy, you can add cayenne pepper or increase the amount of chili powder in the marinade. Just be sure to taste as you go to find your perfect heat level!
