Crispy Sweet Potatoes Cinnamon

My sister texted me a photo of these golden-brown sweet potato rounds she'd made for a weeknight dinner, and I was immediately transported back to my grandmother's kitchen where she'd make something similar but never quite explained her method. I had to recreate them, and after some trial and error—including one batch that came out soggy in the middle—I finally nailed the technique. Now they're the side dish people actually fight over at the table, and honestly, I make them whenever I need something that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy.

I made these for a potluck last fall when someone asked for something 'different but not too weird,' and they disappeared first, before the main course even finished cooking. A friend came back for seconds and asked if they were candied or fried, surprised that something so indulgent came from just the oven. That moment taught me that simple food made with care often outshines anything overly complicated.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: Two large ones, peeled and sliced into half-inch rounds—uniform thickness is your friend here because it means they'll cook evenly without some burning while others stay soft.
• Olive Oil: Two tablespoons to coat everything lightly and help that edges get golden and crispy.
• Fine Sea Salt: Half a teaspoon to season the potatoes before they hit the oven, bringing out their natural sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Two tablespoons for the cinnamon sugar coating, mixed right before serving so it stays sparkly and doesn't dissolve into the warm potatoes.
• Ground Cinnamon: One teaspoon, the heart of this dish—it's warm, it's fragrant, and it makes everything taste like comfort.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: One tablespoon optional, for brushing after roasting to help the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: A tablespoon chopped and scattered on top if you have it, adding a little green brightness and a fresh note that cuts through the sweetness.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Heat your oven to 425°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this small step saves you from sticking and makes cleanup nearly effortless.

Coat the Potatoes:

Toss your sweet potato rounds in a bowl with the olive oil and salt until each slice is lightly and evenly covered; this is where the crispiness begins.

Arrange Them Right:

Spread the slices in a single layer on your prepared sheet, leaving a tiny bit of space between each one so the heat can circulate and do its magic.

First Roast:

Slide them into the oven for 15 minutes, then flip each round carefully—this ensures both sides turn golden and crispy rather than one side soft and the other burnt.

Finish Them Strong:

Continue roasting for another 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are deeply golden and you can smell that caramelized, toasty aroma filling your kitchen.

Make the Sugar Coating:

While everything roasts, mix your sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl—doing this ahead means you're ready to move fast when they come out hot.

The Final Touch:

Remove the hot potatoes from the oven, brush lightly with melted butter if you're using it, then immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over them so it clings to the warmth. Transfer to a serving platter, scatter parsley on top if you like, and serve while they're still warm and the sugar is still sparkling.

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There was a quiet moment during a holiday dinner when my nephew, usually a picky eater, asked for thirds of these and actually complimented them unprompted. That's when I realized this recipe had become more than just a side—it was something people genuinely looked forward to and remembered.

Why This Works So Well

Sweet potatoes have this natural sweetness that deepens when they roast, and the cinnamon amplifies that warmth without overwhelming it. The salt on the outside keeps it from feeling one-note or cloying, while the brief brush of butter right out of the oven creates pockets where the cinnamon sugar clings just right. It's the balance of flavors and textures that makes something so simple feel genuinely elegant.

Flavor Swaps and Variations

I've experimented with brown sugar instead of granulated, and it adds a deeper molasses note that feels almost autumnal. Coconut sugar creates a slightly lighter caramel flavor if you want something less heavy. Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or a whisper of vanilla extract to the cinnamon sugar mixture when I'm feeling adventurous, and it shifts the whole vibe from casual side dish to something more dessert-like.

Serving and Storage Wisdom

These are at their absolute best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cinnamon sugar is still sparkly and the potatoes are still steaming. They're equally lovely at room temperature if you're prepping ahead for a gathering, though they do lose some of that textural contrast. Leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to three days, and you can gently reheat them in a low oven to restore some crispness.

• Pair them with roasted chicken or pork for a complete meal that feels both grounded and a little bit festive.
• They work beautifully as a breakfast side if you're looking to add something warm and slightly sweet to your morning plate.
• Store them separately from their cinnamon sugar coating if you're making ahead, then dust them fresh right before serving so the sugar doesn't dissolve.

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Every time I make these, I'm reminded that the best recipes aren't the most complicated ones—they're the ones that deliver genuine comfort and joy with honest, simple ingredients. These crispy sweet potato rounds have become my go-to reminder of that truth.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve crispy sweet potato rounds?

Ensure even coating with olive oil and space slices apart on the baking sheet to allow airflow. Roast at high heat until golden and edges crisp.

→ Can I use another sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown or coconut sugar can be used for a richer, deeper flavor profile in the cinnamon sugar coating.

→ Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is optional; leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients but may affect the tenderness of the rounds.

→ What does brushing with melted butter add?

Brushing with melted butter enhances the flavor and helps cinnamon sugar stick better, while adding a subtle richness.

→ How can I make this suitable for a vegan diet?

Use plant-based butter or omit the butter entirely to keep the dish vegan-friendly without compromising taste.