Name: How to Roast a Large Sweet Potato Quick
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 47 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 very large sweet potato; salt & pepper; 4 Tbsp. olive oil; cayenne pepper or chili powder

Jump to Recipe

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:

Ingredients for easy oven roast sweet potato with a giant sweet potato

1 very large sweet potato
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Cayenne pepper or chili powder

Cut giant sweet potatoe on a plate ready to be put in the microwave. — Cooking sweet potato in the microwave for a few minutes before roasting in the oven cuts down on baking time.

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

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 47 minutes

With their slightly sweet caramelization and spicy seasoning, roasted sweet potatoes make a perfect delicious & nutritious side dish.

No Ratings

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
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 163Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g

Sliced large sweet potato on baking sheet — Choose seasonings that you and your family prefer.

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!

Oven baked sweet potatoes on a baking sheet — Oven roasted sweet potatoes are done when they are tender when poked with a fork.

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!

Roast Sweet potatoes in a serving bowl. — Sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious side dish.

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.

Close up of oven roasted sweet potatoes.

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:

Be sure to join the VIP newsletter list! As a valued VIP member, you will get exclusive access to the entire library of free printables – including wall art, cards, organization lists, menu planning set, and more.

Click here or the button below to join today.

And if you want to see more real life behind the scenes action, be sure to come join me on my @harbourbreeze Instagram Channel!