How to Cook a Giant Sweet Potato (Quick Roasting Method)
Got a giant sweet potato? Here’s my quick trick: slice it, give it a head start in the microwave, then roast until caramelized and golden. Works for any size!
Roasted sweet potatoes are one of our favorite side dishes these days. Not only do they have great nutrition facts and health benefits, they taste great!
I’ve always been puzzled by the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, but one thing I do know for sure – the sizes of sweet potatoes in our grocery store differ greatly!
Sometimes they are small and fist size. Other times they are huge and football sized!!
I have developed a roasted sweet potato recipe that is a cross between a microwave sweet potato and an oven baked sweet potato.
The nice thing is, it works for any size of sweet potato!
Ingredients you’ll need to cook a giant sweet potato:
- 1 very large sweet potato
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder
How to Cook a Giant Sweet Potato
Here’s my favourite trick for those football-sized sweet potatoes! Wash your sweet potato, peel it or leave the skin on, and slice it into pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Pile them on a plate and give them a quick head start in the microwave. Then toss them in a pan with olive oil, salt, pepper and a sprinkle of cayenne (we like things spicy!), spread them in a single layer, and roast in a hot oven until they’re fork-tender and golden and crispy on the bottom.
It’s the perfect cross between a microwave sweet potato and an oven-baked one, and it works for any size of sweet potato. You’ll find the full instructions in the printable recipe card below.
How to Roast a Large Sweet Potato Quick
With their slightly sweet caramelization and spicy seasoning, roasted sweet potatoes make a perfect delicious & nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 very large sweet potato
- salt & pepper
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- cayenne pepper or chili powder
Instructions
Step 1: Wash & slice the sweet potato into pieces roughly the same size.
Step 2: Pile the cut sweet potatoes on a microwave safe plate and cook in the microwave for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of a baking pan and toss the sweet potatoes in it. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Lay out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
Notes
Baking times will differ based on the size you cut the potatoes. You'll know the potatoes are done when they are tender when poked with a fork, and slightly golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 163Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
Tips for the Best Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Cut carefully. Giant sweet potatoes are really hard to cut through! Use a very sharp, large knife and keep your fingers out of the way. Rock the knife back and forth as you press down to make the job easier.
- Keep the pieces the same size. That way everything finishes cooking at the same time.
- Try different shapes. For diced roasted sweet potatoes, cut them into cubes. For oven-roasted sweet potato fries, slice them into thin, narrow strips. Just remember that smaller pieces cook faster, so cut back on the baking time.
- Don’t measure the oil, just eye it. I never measure! Just make sure every piece of sweet potato is coated so it roasts up golden and crispy.
- Season it your way. Use whatever seasoning you love on roasted sweet potatoes. We like things spicy, so a sprinkle of cayenne pepper is our favourite.
- Add a dipping sauce. Sweet potato fries are extra fun with a dipping sauce. This yum yum sauce would be amazing with them!
What to Serve with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes go with just about anything! We love them alongside my easy hamburger steak recipe, sloppy joes, roasted chicken and chicken cordon bleu.
We like to have oven baked sweet potatoes with our easy hamburger steak recipe, sloppy joes, roasted chicken, and chicken cordon bleu.
You can also cut sweet potatoes into long strips like fries and serve it with your favorite sauce. This yum yum sauce would be amazing with them!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Large Sweet Potatoes
Can I bake a giant sweet potato whole?
You can, but be prepared to put your patience on! A really big sweet potato baked whole can take well over an hour, sometimes closer to two, before the centre is soft. That’s exactly why I slice mine and give it a head start in the microwave. Dinner’s on the table so much faster.
Why do you microwave the sweet potato first?
A few minutes in the microwave starts softening the inside, so the oven only has to finish the job and give you those caramelized, crispy edges. It cuts the roasting time way down, especially for big sweet potatoes.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
Nope! It’s completely up to you. The skin gets lovely and crispy in the oven and adds a little extra fibre. Just give it a good scrub first.
What’s the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?
Here in North America, the orange “yams” at the grocery store are usually just a variety of sweet potato. True yams are a completely different vegetable that’s rarely found in regular grocery stores. Either way, this method works for whichever one you bring home.
How do I store leftover roasted sweet potatoes?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy edge.
Other recipes you may be interested in:
- Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe
- Freeze Ahead Lasagna
- Turkey Noodle Casserole
- Easy roasted cauliflower is a great sidedish perfect for meal prep, too!
For more recipes and ideas for your home:
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How to Roast a Large Sweet Potato Quick
With their slightly sweet caramelization and spicy seasoning, roasted sweet potatoes make a perfect delicious & nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 very large sweet potato
- salt & pepper
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- cayenne pepper or chili powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash & slice the sweet potato into pieces roughly the same size.Step 2: Pile the cut sweet potatoes on a microwave safe plate and cook in the microwave for 5 minutes.Step 3: Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of a baking pan and toss the sweet potatoes in it. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder or cayenne pepper.Step 4: Lay out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
Notes
Baking times will differ based on the size you cut the potatoes. You'll know the potatoes are done when they are tender when poked with a fork, and slightly golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 163Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
Roast sweet potatoes fast with this easy method! Forget long baking times; this recipe handles any size. While waiting, shred some virtual powder in Snow Rider 3D for instant gratification. This recipe combines microwaving and baking for a perfect caramelized result, making a nutritious & delicious side dish while giving you time for some winter fun.
Roast sweet potatoes fast with this easy method! Forget long baking times; this recipe handles any size. While waiting, shred some virtual powder in Snow Rider 3D for instant gratification. This recipe combines microwaving and baking for a perfect caramelized result, making a nutritious & delicious side dish while giving you time for some winter fun.
I am really impressed with the way the dishes on the menu are cooked, ensuring they are both beautiful and attractive.
This is exactly the recipe I needed– how to cook a LARGE sweet potato fast! Once I had ascertained that what I had was, indeed, a large sweet potato (and not a yam), I made it just as you suggested, with cayenne. I cut it into half-inch slices and it didn’t take long to cook! When I first sampled them, I didn’t realize how delicious they were. It was only when I couldn’t stop eating them that I began to realize it. Lol… Thanks!
I intend to try this recipe as soon as possible. Thank you so much. May I add that your food photography skills are outstanding because as I stared at the perfectly captured photo I felt that I could reach out and grab some right off the plate.
May I ask how you have recovered from your surgery? I would also like to ask if you are able to attend church at this time. Things seem to be pretty much locked down according to the reports I have read which are usually incorrect! In any case, I hope you and hubby are doing well. (Forgot to add that I hope your son has fully recovered from the accident.) Sending a hug long distance,,
Sharon in NJ. P.S. It is a beautiful Spring day here with trees in flower and lots of colorful blooming bulbs. 🙂