why make this recipe
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey is a delightful dish that brings together a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy whipped feta, and the drizzle of hot honey adds a spicy kick that makes every bite exciting. This recipe is not just about taste; it is also visually appealing and adds a touch of gourmet flair to any meal.
Making this dish is also easy and quick, making it a perfect side dish for family dinners or gatherings. With minimal effort, you can impress your guests with a well-balanced and stylish plate. Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, making this dish not only delicious but also healthy.
how to make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey
Ingredients
To make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 700 g small sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 150 g feta cheese
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds or crushed pistachios (optional garnish)
Directions
Boil sweet potatoes: Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small sweet potatoes to the boiling water. Cook them for about 15 to 18 minutes until they are fork-tender. After cooking, drain the sweet potatoes and let them steam-dry for about five minutes.
Smash & roast: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the steamed sweet potatoes on the tray. Using the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to flatten them a bit. Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then season them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Roast the potatoes in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
Whipped feta: While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the whipped feta. In a blender, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend everything until it is smooth and fluffy. This will be the creamy base that complements the crispy potatoes.
Hot honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chili flakes to the warm honey, stirring well. Make sure you do not let it boil. If you like, you can add apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity, giving the honey a little extra flavor.
Assemble: Once everything is ready, it is time to assemble your dish. Spread the whipped feta on a large platter. Arrange the crispy smashed sweet potatoes on top of the feta. Finally, drizzle the hot honey generously over the potatoes. If you like, finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, and add sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for a delightful crunch.
how to serve Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey can be served warm as a side dish or a unique appetizer. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, and can also be served alongside fresh salads for a complete meal. For a casual dinner, these potatoes can stand alone, satisfying guests with their rich flavors.
To present the dish, arrange the crispy potatoes artfully on the whipped feta. Drizzle the hot honey just before serving to keep the potatoes nice and crispy. You can provide additional garnishes like fresh herbs or nuts on the side so that guests can add them according to their tastes.
how to store Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can store the components separately.
For the smashed sweet potatoes: Once the potatoes have cooled, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to three days. When you want to heat them up, simply re-roast them in a hot oven until they are crispy again.
For the whipped feta: Keep the whipped feta in a separate airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about four to five days. You may need to give it a quick stir before using it again.
For the hot honey: Hot honey can also be stored in a jar, refrigerated for up to two weeks. Reheat it slightly before using if it thickens in the fridge.
When ready to serve the dish again, simply reheat the sweet potatoes, spread the whipped feta, and drizzle the hot honey on top.
tips to make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey
Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for small to medium-sized sweet potatoes. They should be firm and have smooth skin. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispier texture.
Don’t skip the steaming step: Letting the potatoes steam dry after boiling helps them get crispy when roasted. This step is essential for achieving the perfect crunch.
Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili flakes to the hot honey or mix in some cayenne pepper with the spices for the potatoes.
Experiment with garnishes: While fresh herbs and nuts add a lovely finishing touch, you can try different toppings like crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, or even avocado slices for a unique twist.
Serve it fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve this dish fresh out of the oven. Crispy potatoes are best enjoyed immediately at their peak crispiness.
variation (if any)
If you want to switch things up, consider trying different types of cheese instead of feta. Cream cheese can also work well if you blend it in the same way as the feta. For a vegan-friendly option, you can use cashew cheese or a vegan yogurt as a substitute for whipped feta.
You can also change the flavor of the hot honey. Consider infusing herbs like rosemary or thyme into the honey for a more aromatic profile. For a fruity kick, try adding some orange or lemon zest.
For a different taste experience, try throwing the smashed potatoes in a spice mix like Cajun or Italian herbs before roasting.
FAQs
1. Can I use larger sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use larger sweet potatoes; just keep in mind that they may need longer cooking times. Make sure they are fork-tender before smashing and roasting.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, replace the feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese and use a plant-based yogurt. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Boil the sweet potatoes and whip the feta a day in advance. Just roast the sweet potatoes and assemble the dish shortly before serving.
These tips and variations will help you create your own perfect version of Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey, making your culinary experience even more enjoyable! Enjoy your cooking!
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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Hot Honey
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful mix of crispy sweet potatoes, creamy whipped feta, and a spicy kick of hot honey, perfect for impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 700 g small sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 150 g feta cheese
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds or crushed pistachios (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let steam-dry for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Smash sweet potatoes on a baking tray, brush with olive oil, and season. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prepare whipped feta by blending feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Warm honey in a saucepan for 2-3 minutes, add chili flakes, and optionally apple cider vinegar.
- Assemble by spreading whipped feta on a platter, placing crispy sweet potatoes on top, and drizzling with hot honey. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer. Can be made ahead and stored separately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sweet potatoes, whipped feta, hot honey, side dish, vegetarian