Introduction
Get ready to elevate your snacking game with these Crispy Loaded Sweet Potato Fries topped with all your favorite fixings and served with a luscious garlicky aioli! Sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making them the perfect canvas for indulgent toppings and dips. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, enjoying a movie night at home, or just looking for a delicious side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
The key to achieving that coveted crispiness lies in the preparation and cooking method, ensuring that each fry is perfectly golden and crunchy without being greasy. Layered with savory toppings, such as melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, these loaded fries are a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
And let’s not forget about that garlic aioli! The creamy, garlicky dip adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the sweet potato’s natural taste beautifully. It’s simple to make yet elevates the dish to a whole new level. So grab your favorite baking sheet and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)
- For the Savory Garlic Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
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- Clean and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform fries (approximately 1/4 inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
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- In a large mixing bowl, mix the sweet potato fries with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are thoroughly coated.
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- Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded (this aids in achieving crispiness!). Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
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- While the fries are baking, prepare the savory garlic aioli. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Adjust the seasoning as needed and set aside.
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- After baking, take the sweet potato fries out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheese over the hot fries. Top with the cooked bacon bits.
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- Place the loaded fries back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
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- Remove from the oven, add sliced green onions for garnish, and drizzle with a dollop of sour cream.
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- Serve the crispy loaded sweet potato fries while hot, alongside the savory garlic aioli for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 large, peeled and cut into fry-shaped pieces
- Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons for tossing the fries
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons for added crispiness
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked or regular, based on preference)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded or crumbled
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish
- Jalapeños: 1 fresh, sliced for a spicy kick (optional)
For the Savory Garlic Aioli:
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Garlic Cloves: 2-3, minced
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a richer flavor)
These ingredients will combine to create a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that your sweet potato fries turn out crispy and golden.
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Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook uniformly.
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Soak the Fries: Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which will result in crispier fries.
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Dry the Fries: After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and thoroughly dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing moisture is key to achieving that crispy texture.
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Season and Coat: In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire (such as paprika or garlic powder). Ensure they are evenly coated; this helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
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Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the sweet potato fries in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded. This allows hot air to circulate around each fry, promoting even cooking.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning; you want them to be golden brown and crispy.
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Add Toppings: Once the fries are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings, such as crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, and crispy bacon bits for a loaded version.
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Cool Slightly: Let the loaded sweet potato fries cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to crisp up even more.
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Serve with Aioli: While the fries cool, prepare your savory garlic aioli as directed in your recipe. Serve it alongside the fries for dipping and enjoy your deliciously crispy treat!
By following these steps, you’ll create perfectly crispy loaded sweet potato fries that are sure to impress. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Appetizer: Serve your crispy loaded sweet potato fries as a starter at your next gathering. Pair them with a refreshing drink like a craft beer or a citrusy cocktail for a perfect party snack.
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Game Day Snack: Elevate your game day festivities by offering these fries as a crowd-pleasing snack. Add a side of spicy ketchup or homemade ranch dressing for dipping to cater to everyone’s taste buds.
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Gourmet Burgers: Complement your gourmet burgers with a side of loaded sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries pairs beautifully with rich beef or plant-based patties, making for a well-rounded meal.
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Movie Night Treat: Transform your movie night by indulging in these crispy fries topped with cheese, bacon, and chives. Set up a self-serve station where everyone can customize their fries with toppings and aioli.
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Salad Bowl Side: For a lighter meal, serve these fries alongside a fresh garden salad. The contrast of the warm, crispy fries and the cool crunch of the salad creates a delightful balance.
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Family Dinner: Include loaded sweet potato fries as a side dish in a family dinner spread. Serve them with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a wholesome meal that caters to both adults and kids alike.
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Brunch Delight: These sweet potato fries can also be an unexpected but delightful addition to your brunch table. Serve them alongside a savory egg dish, like a fajita omelet or shakshuka.
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Catering Option: If you’re hosting a larger event, consider offering a fries bar where guests can pile on their favorite toppings and sauces. This interactive approach adds a fun element to any celebration.
Feel free to get creative and customize your serving suggestions based on the occasion and your guests’ preferences! Enjoy!
Conclusion
These Crispy Loaded Sweet Potato Fries with Savory Garlic Aioli are not just a dish; they’re a culinary experience that tantalizes your taste buds and elevates your snack game to a whole new level. The combination of the sweet, creamy fries topped with the savory goodness of cheese, bacon, and toppings of your choice creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and indulgent.
The creamy garlic aioli adds a delightful twist, bringing together all the flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you serve these fries as a side dish at a gathering or as a decadent treat for yourself, they’re sure to impress. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings or adjust the seasoning to match your personal preferences. These sweet potato fries are versatile and can easily be made gluten-free or vegan, making them suitable for a variety of diets.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something crispy and flavorful, remember this recipe and enjoy every last bite of your delicious loaded sweet potato fries! Happy cooking!