Now, I wasn’t always a sweet potato enthusiast. Growing up, the good old white potato had my heart until my sister-in-law introduced me to these crispy sweet wonders topped with cilantro and cotija. They blend just the right amount of sweetness with crackling crispness. And let’s not forget the star of the show—the chipotle mayo. Just a hint of chili mixed with creamy goodness—it’s a game-changer, I swear!
It all started last fall when the family decided on a Harry Potter marathon. I wanted a simple yet impressive snack that wouldn’t keep me tied to the kitchen. With a bit of prep and minimal fuss—voila! The scent of sweet potatoes roasting and the warmth of spices like paprika and cumin filled the house, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Trust me, making these sweet potato fries is a breeze. All it takes is a good chop, a toss in fragrant spices, and a quick trip to the oven, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a nutritious snack that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for healthiness. Ready to give it a whirl? Grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these unforgettable Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayo—it’s time to bring a little flavor magic to your own family movie nights!
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayo
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Ingredients:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- 2/3 cup Greek yogurt or skyr
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of kosher salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F, setting the stage for perfect crispiness.
- Grab a mixing bowl and toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil, kosher salt, smoked paprika, sumac, cumin, and onion powder until they’re evenly coated in deliciousness.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet, ensuring a single layer for maximum crunch. If you’re doubling up, grab another tray!
- Pop them in the oven for 12 minutes. Flip them over to achieve that golden perfection and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes.
- Once they’re out and looking irresistible, sprinkle with cilantro and a touch of crumbled cotija cheese.
- For the chipotle mayo, combine all its ingredients in a small food processor, blending until smooth. Taste and tweak the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve those fries hot with a spicy dip on the side, and watch them disappear in no time!
Customizing Sweet Potato Fries: Alternative Ingredients
If you’re out of sumac, consider using lemon zest or a bit more smoked paprika to retain that citrusy punch. No Greek yogurt? Sour cream also makes a great partner for the chipotle mayo. And if cutting calories, opt for more Greek yogurt and reduce mayonnaise quantities. These tweaks ensure you won’t miss out on flavor.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Sweet Potato Fries
If you’ve made extra or those delectable sweet potato fries go uneaten (rare, I know!), keep them crispy by storing in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them back in a hot oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaves as they can make the fries soggy.
From Sides to Drinks: What Complements Sweet Potato Fries
To complement the earthy sweetness of these fries, consider pairing them with a light, citrusy salad or some roasted veggies. For a drink, a glass of crisp white wine or iced herbal tea makes a lovely choice. To enhance the meal’s richness, a buttery avocado dip adds more layers of flavor.
Secrets to Perfecting Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayo
To master these fries, ensure even thickness in your slices for consistent cooking. The right amount of space on your baking sheet also makes a world of difference for that crispy texture. For the mayo, blend your chipotle peppers thoroughly, as smoothness is key for optimal taste in every bite.
Seasonal Twists for Sweet Potato Fries
During the autumn and winter, cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm twist to your sweet potato seasoning mix. In the summer, try a dash of lime juice or zest just before serving, accentuating the dish’s freshness. Spring calls for a sprinkle of parsley, replacing cilantro for a subtle shift in flavors.
FAQs:
Can I use regular potatoes instead?
Yes, you can absolutely swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in this recipe. Keep in mind the taste will differ slightly, as sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that pairs well with the spices and chipotle mayo. Adjust baking times slightly if needed to ensure crispiness.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
If cotija cheese isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, crumbled feta or queso fresco can be fantastic alternatives. Both will give a similar salty flavor and crumble nicely on top of your fries, complementing the cilantro and richness of the dish.
Is there a difference between Greek yogurt and skyr?
Greek yogurt and skyr are quite similar, both rich and creamy, originating from different cultures. Greek yogurt has a tangier taste, while skyr tends to be thicker and milder. Either works well in the chipotle mayo, though Greek will impart a touch more tartness to the dip.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! An air fryer is a great alternative if you want to reduce oil usage. Preheat your air fryer, lay out the sweet potatoes in a single layer, and cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket midway through. They’ll come out crunchy with less oil.
What’s the best way to mince garlic for the mayo?
To ensure the garlic mixes well into the mayo, use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife until it forms a paste-like texture. This helps distribute the garlic flavor evenly throughout the mayo. If you prefer a milder flavor, roasted garlic will also work beautifully.
Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?
Sweet potato fries are often perceived as a healthier option compared to regular fries due to their higher fiber content and vitamins like A and C. However, their healthiness also depends on preparation. Baking them, as in this recipe, is a healthier choice compared to frying.
Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayo
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- food processor
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crumbled cotija cheese
Chipotle Mayo:
- 2/3 cup Greek yogurt or skyr
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce canned
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
For Sweet Potato Fries:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato matchsticks with olive oil, kosher salt, smoked paprika, sumac, cumin, and onion powder until they are completely coated.
- Arrange the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. If making a larger quantity, consider using a second sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then turn the fries and continue baking for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Once out of the oven, garnish the fries with fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese.
For Chipotle Mayo:
- In a small food processor, combine the Greek yogurt or skyr, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, chili powder, garlic, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the sweet potato fries while hot alongside the chipotle mayo for a delightful dipping experience. Enjoy!
