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This baked honey chili sweet potato is a warm and tasty side dish. With the perfect mix of sweet honey and spicy chili, it brings a delightful kick to your meal!

You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just roast the sweet potatoes, drizzle with honey, sprinkle chili flakes, and bake. Your taste buds will thank you! 😄

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I prefer medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. You can also use Japanese sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes if available; they add a unique flavor and color.

Honey: Honey is what gives this dish its sweetness. If you want a vegan option, agave syrup works well too! Maple syrup can also be a delightful substitute for a different flavor profile.

Chili Flakes: Adjust the level of heat to your liking. If you want milder heat, go for paprika instead. If you love spice, consider using cayenne pepper or fresh chopped jalapeños for an extra kick!

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or green onions are great alternatives for garnish.

What’s the Best Way to Bake Sweet Potatoes?

Baking sweet potatoes may seem simple, but there are key steps to follow for the best results. First, it’s crucial to prick the sweet potatoes with a fork; this allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.

• Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and brush with olive oil. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
• Bake them cut side down to get that lovely caramelization on the flesh. The initial longer bake time ensures they become tender.
• After flipping them cut side up, drizzle honey and sprinkle with chili flakes to let those flavors fuse during the last bake.

Taking these steps will result in sweet, spicy, and perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time!

Baked Honey Chili Sweet Potato

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream (for drizzling)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional for serving)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and you’ll need approximately 45-57 minutes for baking time. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheating the Oven:

First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting sweet potatoes, giving them a nice, tender texture.

2. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Then, carefully slice each one in half lengthwise. This will help them cook evenly and allow the flavor to soak in.

3. Pricking for Steam:

Using a fork, prick the flesh of the sweet potatoes a few times. This step is important! It allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing any bursting.

4. Brush and Bake:

Brush the cut side of each sweet potato with olive oil and place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Adding Flavor:

Once they are done baking, pull the sweet potatoes from the oven and flip them cut side up. Now it’s time to drizzle honey evenly over each piece. Sprinkle with chili flakes and a little salt according to your taste.

6. Final Bake:

Return the sweet potatoes to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. This will let the honey soak in and the chili flavor develop beautifully.

7. Serving:

Take them out of the oven, and drizzle with mayonnaise or sour cream. Sprinkle generously with the fresh cilantro. For a bit of zing, serve with lime wedges on the side so you can squeeze fresh lime juice over your sweet potatoes before eating.

There you have it! Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fresh in your delightful baked honey chili sweet potato!

Can I Use Other Types of Sweet Potatoes?

Absolutely! While orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are commonly used, you can also experiment with Japanese sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes for a unique flavor and vibrant colors.

How Can I Adjust the Heat Level in This Recipe?

If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili flakes or substitute with paprika for a milder flavor. On the other hand, for more heat, you can use cayenne pepper or fresh chopped jalapeños to kick it up a notch!

Can I Make This Dish Vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. You can also skip the mayonnaise or sour cream, or use a plant-based yogurt alternative for a creamy touch.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or gently warm in the oven until heated through. Keep in mind that the sweet potatoes might lose some crispness after reheating.