Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8 people
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet potatoes and melted cheese that instantly transports me back to cozy family dinners. Growing up, my grandmother would always find creative ways to make vegetables irresistible, and this recipe captures that same spirit of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
These Cheesy Garlic Sweet Potatoes have become my go-to side dish whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat my family to something special. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory garlic butter, while the melted mozzarella and parmesan create that perfect golden, bubbly top that makes everyone reach for seconds.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Perfect Balance of Flavors
The earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates a stunning contrast with the rich, garlicky butter. Meanwhile, the combination of mozzarella and parmesan adds both creaminess and a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.
Incredibly Versatile
Whether you’re serving these as a side dish for Sunday dinner or enjoying them as a satisfying snack, they adapt beautifully to any occasion. The recipe works equally well for casual weeknight meals and elegant dinner parties.
Simple Yet Impressive
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create something that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. The golden, bubbly cheese topping always draws admiring glances from guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Components
- 4 sweet potatoes (small or medium sized), halved lengthwise with ends trimmed
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or dried), chopped
- Coarse salt and cracked pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F). While the oven heats, prepare your garlic butter by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Next, brush each sweet potato half generously with the garlic butter mixture. Season each piece with coarse salt and cracked pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
Initial Roasting
Arrange the sweet potatoes cut-side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. This positioning allows the cut surfaces to caramelize beautifully while the flesh becomes tender. Roast for 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven’s characteristics and the size of your potatoes.
Adding the Cheese
Once the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender, remove them from the oven and carefully flip them cut-side up. The skin should now be facing down, creating a stable base for the cheese topping.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over each potato half, followed by the parmesan cheese. Finally, add the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Final Broiling
Switch your oven setting to broil on low or medium heat. Return the potatoes to the oven and broil for approximately 2 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the cheese melts and turns golden without burning.
Serving Suggestions
As a Side Dish
These cheesy sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or beef tenderloin. They’re also excellent alongside pork chops or baked salmon for a complete, satisfying meal.
Standalone Snack
Cut into smaller portions, these make an excellent afternoon snack or light lunch. Serve with a simple green salad for a more substantial meal.
Party Appetizer
For entertaining, consider cutting each potato half into smaller wedges and serving them on a platter with toothpicks. They disappear quickly at gatherings!
Recipe Variations to Try
Herb-Crusted Version
Replace the parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthier flavor profile. Dried herbs work well too – just use about half the amount.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture, or sprinkle some paprika over the cheese before broiling.
Protein-Packed Option
Top with crumbled bacon or diced ham before adding the cheese for a heartier version that could serve as a main dish.
Vegan Alternative
Substitute the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep Work
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to three days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Additionally, the sweet potatoes can be washed, trimmed, and halved the night before.
Partial Cooking
For busy weeknights, roast the sweet potatoes completely, then store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply add the cheese and broil.
Freezing Options
While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fully cooked potatoes for up to one month. Thaw completely before reheating in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Notes and Pro Tips
Choosing Sweet Potatoes
Select potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. Look for ones that feel firm and have smooth skin without soft spots or blemishes.
Butter Temperature
Using softened butter is crucial for easy mixing and even distribution. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into small pieces.
Cheese Quality
Freshly grated parmesan makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. However, pre-shredded mozzarella works perfectly fine for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they’re golden brown on the bottom and easily pierced with a fork. The flesh should be tender but not mushy.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese work beautifully. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will change the flavor profile slightly.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Garlic powder works in a pinch – use about 1/2 teaspoon in place of the fresh clove. However, fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Keep a close eye on the broiling step and use low to medium heat. If your broiler runs hot, try positioning the rack further from the heat source.
Can I make these without butter?
Yes! Olive oil works as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. Use about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in place of the butter.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
While they’re best enjoyed fresh, these can be reheated successfully. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.
Nutrition Information: 205 calories per serving | 23g carbohydrates | 6g protein | 10g fat | 3g fiber