Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for more! These Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chili Cheese are not just another recipe - they're a culinary adventure that combines the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with the bold kick of chili and the creamy indulgence of melted cheddar. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a game day snack, or a deliciously different side dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy fries.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, thin fry-shaped strips approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the size consistent for even cooking.
- Place cut sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the fries and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle salt and chili powder over the oiled fries. Toss again to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded or overlapping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the fries and return to the oven to melt.
- Remove from oven when fries are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish immediately with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always pat your sweet potato strips completely dry before seasoning and baking.
- Cut your fries as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking. Inconsistent sizes mean some pieces will burn while others remain undercooked.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give your fries breathing room to help them crisp up instead of steaming.
- Use a high-temperature oven (425°F) and flip the fries midway through cooking to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- For extra crispiness, you can soak the cut sweet potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and baking, which helps remove excess starch.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for added flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
