A few days ago, while I was grocery shopping, I saw these red sweet potatoes – or rather, yams, because they are not true potatoes – and I remembered hearing a lot about them on cooking blogs. Everyone was talking about how good, versatile, perfect for baking, and naturally sweet they were. So I thought, “Okay, it’s time to try them myself.” And I must tell you, I was surprised by how simple they are to cook and how they fill the kitchen with aroma as they bake.
The baked yams have a natural sweetness that is greatly enhanced by herbs. I chose sage, rosemary, and a few crushed garlic cloves because I wanted a fragrant but not overpowering side dish. By slicing them thinly, they become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with those slightly caramelized edges that make you want to eat them straight from the baking sheet.
It’s a simple and quick recipe, perfect when you want a healthy side dish that’s different from the usual. Yams are rich in fiber, naturally gluten-free, and pair well with practically everything: meat, fish, eggs, legumes… or you can serve them with a yogurt sauce for a fresh touch. And if you like to experiment, you can add paprika, chili pepper, or a bit of lemon zest at the end.
In short, if you’ve seen them at the supermarket and wondered how to cook them, this is the right recipe to start with. I bet they’ll often end up in your shopping cart.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
BAKED RED SWEET POTATOES:
- 10.5 oz red yams
- 3 garlic cloves
- extra virgin olive oil
- chopped sage and rosemary
- salt and pepper
Tools
BAKED RED SWEET POTATOES:
- 1 Baking Tray baking tray
- 1 Chopper chopper
- 1 Knife knives
Steps
Slice the red sweet potatoes thinly and season them in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, a mixture of chopped sage and rosemary, and salt.
Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and add the crushed garlic.
Bake at 392°F for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serve your crispy yams with a touch of lemon or a yogurt sauce.
✨Recipe Variations:
✨Recipe Variations:
Baked Yams with Honey or Maple Syrup
If you love the sweet-salty contrast, try brushing the slices with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking. They become slightly caramelized and perfect with roast chicken or fresh cheeses.
Mediterranean Version
Replace sage and rosemary with oregano, thyme, and some sliced black olives. A flavorful variation, ideal to accompany baked fish or vegetarian dishes.
Baked Yams with Curry
Add 1 teaspoon of sweet curry or Indian curry to the oil and salt mixture. The result is an aromatic, warm, and enveloping side dish, perfect with basmati rice or legumes.
Crispy Yams in Air Fryer
If you want an even quicker version, cook the yams in an air fryer at 374°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They become super crispy with very little oil.
With Fresh Herbs and Lemon
For a fresher variant, add chopped parsley and freshly grated lemon zest after cooking. Perfect for a light lunch or to accompany fish dishes.
Baked Yams with Parmesan
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the slices with grated Parmesan. It forms a tasty crust that everyone loves.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the slices with grated Parmesan. It forms a tasty crust that everyone loves.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the slices with grated Parmesan. It forms a tasty crust that everyone loves.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I leave the skin on the yams?
Yes, if you prefer, you can leave the skin on: it’s edible and rich in nutrients. Just wash them well and brush them. Without the skin, they are softer and more delicate.
Are yams the same as sweet potatoes?
Yes, in common language they are. Yams are a type of red sweet potato, but botanically they are not true potatoes. They have a sweeter flesh and a softer texture.
How can I make them crispier?
Slice them thinly and arrange them in a single layer. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch before the oil helps a lot. Also, a convection oven at 392°F enhances crispiness.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, you can slice and season them in advance, storing them in the fridge for a few hours. Or you can cook them and then reheat them in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
Can they be frozen?
It’s better not to freeze them raw because they release a lot of water. Once cooked, yes: freeze them already roasted and reheat them in the oven directly from frozen.
What can I pair them with?
They are perfect with white meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu. Also great in bowls or as a base for vegetarian dishes.
Can I add other spices?
Of course: paprika, curry, cumin, chili pepper, or Mediterranean blends like thyme and oregano. Yams absorb flavors well.
