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I’m a salad lover — and by that I mean I prefer big, satisfying salads loaded with interesting toppings. I’m not a fan of tiny side salads; I want a bowl full of flavors and textures. Lately my favorite topping has been Sweet Potato Croutons. These little cubes of crunchy, roasted sweet potato bring sweet, savory, and crunchy notes to salads, soups, and even snack plates. They’re quick to make and routinely disappear faster than I expect, especially since my kids (who are normally suspicious of vegetables) will happily snack on them by the handful.
Sweet Potato Croutons are delicious straight from the oven, but they remain pleasantly crisp for a couple of hours at room temperature and still taste fine straight from the fridge after about 24 hours. If you make more than you can eat fresh, you can re-crisp them on a rimmed baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 4 to 6 minutes — they’ll come back nearly as good as new.
Cook’s Notes
- Cut the sweet potatoes evenly so they roast uniformly. Peel each potato and slice off a 1-centimeter (just under 1/2-inch) thick lengthwise wafer to create a stable base. Cut the remainder into 1-centimeter “cards.” Slice each card into 1-centimeter strips, then rotate and cut into 1-centimeter cubes. This method yields evenly sized cubes that crisp up consistently.
- Choose large sweet potatoes for this recipe. Small, delicate sweet potatoes won’t hold up as well — save those for other preparations.
- You only need a small amount of oil: about 1 1/2 tablespoons per large sweet potato. Use an oil with a higher smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil; light (not extra virgin) olive oil also works. Each cube should be coated and have a shiny surface without excess oil pooling in the bowl. If your potato is unusually large, increase the oil to about 2 tablespoons.
- Seasonings are flexible. A mild dry rub like Cranberry Dry Rub works well, but Za’atar, Cajun seasoning, or a homemade ranch seasoning are all great options. Toss the oiled cubes with enough seasoning to coat without overwhelming the sweet potato. A good starting point is about 1 tablespoon of a low-salt blend per potato, or about 1 teaspoon if your blend is salty.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Air circulation around each cube is essential for crisping. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan and avoid stirring until the underside crisps and the pieces release from the pan. Then shake or turn them and return them to the oven until fully crunchy.
- Timing is a guideline rather than a strict rule. Roasting time can range based on how crunchy you like them. Start testing a cube after 25 minutes and then check every few minutes until they reach your preferred level of crispness. Tasting along the way helps you get the exact texture you want.
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Sweet Potato Croutons
Rebecca Lindamood
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and cut into approximately 1 cm cubes (see Cook’s Notes)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed
- 1 tablespoon Cranberry Dry Rub or another dry seasoning
- sprinkle of kosher salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with the oil until each cube is shiny and evenly coated. Sprinkle the dry rub over the potatoes and toss to coat. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan, leaving plenty of room for air to circulate.
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Bake for 25 to 40 minutes, stirring once after the first 15 minutes to release any cubes that are stuck to the pan and to change their positions. After 25 minutes, remove one cube, let it cool slightly, and test for crispness. If you want them crispier, return the pan to the oven and check every 5 minutes until they reach your preferred texture.
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Once finished, allow the Sweet Potato Croutons to cool completely to room temperature. Use them right away, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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To re-crisp: spread croutons in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan and place in a preheated 400°F oven for 4 to 6 minutes, until hot and crisp. Cool briefly before serving.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition with the exact ingredients you use if needed.
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