If you’re looking for a side dish that absolutely steals the show, these Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo are the answer to your flavor cravings. Imagine sweet potatoes roasted to golden perfection, kissed with warm spices, and served with a creamy, smoky, tangy mayo dip that has just the right kick. Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or adding pizazz to your next gathering, this colorful, Southwestern-inspired dish will turn heads and tempt taste buds. Trust me, this is the sweet-and-spicy combo you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo is refreshingly short, but each item is a powerhouse of flavor. Every component was chosen to balance earthy sweetness, subtle spice, and that irresistible creamy dip—don’t skip a single one if you want that perfect bite!
- Sweet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cut into wedges): Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully and plays off the spicy mayo.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps crisp the potatoes and carries the flavors of the spices.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds that toasty, smoky depth that makes these wedges unforgettable.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy note that complements the sweet potato.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): For just a little heat and boldness in every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the potatoes’ flavor and seasoning the whole dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a bit of sharpness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for our delicious chipotle dip.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo (1 to 2, finely chopped): Smoky, spicy, and a little tangy—they’re the heart of the chipotle mayo.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a zesty lift that brightens up the whole dip.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): For an extra hint of sweetness, balancing out the spicy mayo.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): The perfect finishing touch for color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key for achieving those slightly crisp edges and caramelization on the sweet potatoes. If you have a convection setting, this is a great time to use it for even better browning.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Wedges
Place your sweet potato wedges onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and then sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper all over them. Use your hands or a large spatula to toss everything together, making sure each wedge is evenly coated in those glorious spices and oil.
Step 3: Spread and Roast
Arrange the seasoned wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded. If necessary, use a second baking sheet—crowding leads to steaming, and we want caramelized, not soggy! Pop them into your preheated oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy and the centers are tender.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While your sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and honey. Mix until the sauce is creamy, smoky, and smooth. Taste it—add an extra chipotle if you want a bigger kick, or more lime for tang. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
As soon as your sweet potatoes come out of the oven, transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon the smoky chipotle mayo into a small bowl for dipping. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over everything for an explosion of color and freshness. That first bite is pure magic!
How to Serve Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
Garnishes
These wedges are gorgeous on their own, but a generous shower of freshly chopped cilantro takes them to the next level—herbaceous and a touch citrusy. For even more flavor, try a pinch of flaky sea salt or a final squeeze of lime over the top. Thinly sliced green onion or a little crumbled cotija cheese can also add a delicious twist!
Side Dishes
Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo pair beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, roasted chicken, or even as a vibrant side with tacos. For an all-vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty black bean salad or a fresh chopped slaw—these potatoes play well with anything that loves a little crunch and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile the wedges high on a colorful platter with the chipotle mayo in the center—perfect for dipping. Or, tuck them into taco shells and top with avocado and extra cilantro for a unique vegetarian taco option! For a fun appetizer, skewer individual wedges and serve with mini cups of chipotle mayo for dipping—guaranteed to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, transfer the sweet potatoes and chipotle mayo to separate airtight containers. The potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the dip will taste even better as the flavors meld overnight!
Freezing
For longer storage, let the roasted sweet potatoes cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months. While the chipotle mayo doesn’t freeze well, it only takes a moment to stir up a fresh batch.
Reheating
To bring the sweet potatoes back to their freshly roasted glory, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and the edges crisp back up. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make them soft rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While the flavor and texture will be a bit different—yams are starchier and less sweet—the spices and chipotle mayo will still complement them beautifully. Just keep an eye on roasting time as it may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap out the regular mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based mayo, and the dish will be 100% vegan. Everything else is naturally plant-based and just as delicious!
How spicy is the chipotle mayo?
The smoky heat is moderate, but you can control it to your liking. Start with one chipotle pepper and add more to taste, or leave out the seeds for a milder version. The honey and lime balance out the spice, making it friendly for most palates.
Can I prep the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Definitely. You can peel and cut the potatoes up to a day ahead, and even soak them in cold water (great for extra crispiness!). Simply drain, pat dry, and proceed with seasoning and roasting when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, you can use regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne or even a little chipotle powder. You’ll miss some of that deep smokiness, but the other spices and the chipotle mayo will still make these sweet potatoes shine.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that deliver bold flavors with minimal fuss, you owe it to yourself to try these Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo. I promise, from the first bite to the last dip, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds. Grab your sheet pan—you’re in for a seriously tasty treat!
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Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo are a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a smoky kick from paprika and chipotle. The creamy chipotle mayo adds a cool and spicy contrast, making this dish a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Place sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with spices, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast: Spread wedges in a single layer and roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
- Make chipotle mayo: Whisk together mayo, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
- Serve: Serve hot sweet potatoes with chipotle mayo, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak sweet potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting, then pat dry.
- The chipotle mayo can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup with dip
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
