Forget boring chips! These game day sweet potato recipes will transform your snack table into the main event. We’re talking about perfectly crispy, oven-baked sweet potato wedges loaded with all your favorite toppings. This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear before halftime. Get ready to score a major touchdown with your friends and family!
Baked to crispy perfection and ready for toppings!
Why These Loaded Sweet Potato Wedges Are a Game Day MVP
When it comes to game day snacks, you need something that’s both delicious and simple to prepare. This recipe ticks every box. The sweet potatoes are cut into hearty wedges, seasoned with a savory and smoky spice blend, and baked until the edges are caramelized and the centers are fluffy. Unlike deep-fried snacks, these are baked, making them a healthier-but-just-as-tasty option.
The real magic happens with the toppings. We’re providing a classic loaded-up version, but the possibilities are endless. It’s an interactive and fun dish that lets your guests customize their own wedges. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a centerpiece for your ultimate football snack board.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create incredible flavor. The spice mix is key to getting that savory taste that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. You’ll need about 2 pounds, scrubbed clean.
Olive Oil: Helps the wedges get crispy and delicious in the oven.
Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for an extra-crispy exterior!
Spices: A blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
For Topping: Cooked bacon (crumbled), shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and freshly sliced green onions.
Generously season every wedge to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
How to Make The Ultimate Game Day Sweet Potato Wedges (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to achieve baked sweet potato perfection. The key is a hot oven and giving the wedges enough space to crisp up.
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skin gets wonderfully crispy. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4-6 wedges, depending on the size.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil until they are lightly coated. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the wedges and toss until every piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the seasoned wedges on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pans, as this will steam the potatoes instead of baking them. Use two sheets if necessary. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 4: Load ‘Em Up!
Once the wedges are cooked, remove them from the oven. Consolidate them onto one baking sheet and sprinkle generously with the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return the pan to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully transfer the loaded wedges to a serving platter, dollop with sour cream, and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately!
Topping Ideas for Every Fan
While the classic cheese and bacon combo is a winner, you can easily customize these wedges to suit any taste. Set up a topping bar and let your guests build their own creations!
Spicy & Smoky: Top with chorizo, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a drizzle of chipotle aioli.
BBQ Bonanza: Drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce, top with pulled pork or chicken, and a sprinkle of red onion. This pairs amazingly with hot honey chicken wings (coming soon).
Buffalo Style: Instead of fries, why not wedges? Serve them alongside a warm bowl of creamy buffalo chicken dip (coming soon) for the ultimate dipping experience.
Mediterranean Twist: Top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a dollop of tzatziki.
Tips for the Crispiest Sweet Potato Wedges
Everyone wants crispy wedges, not soggy ones. Here are the top tips for guaranteed crunch.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It absorbs moisture and creates a light, crispy coating.
Use a Hot Oven: High heat is essential for getting a crispy exterior before the inside turns to mush.
Give Them Space: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Air needs to circulate around each wedge. Use multiple pans if you have to.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: It prevents sticking and ensures the crispy bottoms don’t get left behind on the pan.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for a Stress-Free Game Day
You can prep parts of this recipe ahead of time to make game day easier. Cut the sweet potato wedges up to 24 hours in advance and store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just drain, pat them completely dry, and then toss with the oil and seasonings.
Leftover wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and bring back the crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in an oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Game Day Sweet Potato Recipes
The key to crispy sweet potato wedges is a combination of four things: using cornstarch in your seasoning mix to absorb moisture, preheating your oven to a high temperature (425°F), arranging the wedges in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, and using parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Yes, you can do some prep work in advance. You can cut the sweet potatoes into wedges and store them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, drain and dry them completely before seasoning and baking as directed. For best results, bake them just before serving.
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions. However, you can get creative with pulled pork and BBQ sauce, buffalo chicken dip, crumbled feta and olives, or chili and cheese.
Sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of dips. For a creamy and cool contrast, try a garlic aioli, a spicy chipotle mayo, or a simple Greek yogurt dip with herbs. For a classic pairing, you can’t go wrong with sour cream or a quality ranch dressing.
The Perfect Finish to Your Game Day Spread
These loaded sweet potato wedges are more than just a side dish; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. They bring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy to your party. For another guaranteed hit, try our cheesy pull-apart garlic football bread (coming soon).
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see it! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
Loaded Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
FL Recipes
Game Day Sweet Potato Recipes: Crispy Loaded Wedges
Score a touchdown with these Crispy Loaded Sweet Potato Wedges! This easy game day sweet potato recipe features oven-baked wedges seasoned with a smoky spice blend and topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. The perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Wash, dry, and cut sweet potatoes into wedges (about 1/2-inch thick).
In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the wedges and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they don't overlap. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until crispy and golden.
Remove from oven and consolidate onto one baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Transfer to a platter, top with dollops of sour cream, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalProtein: 11gFat: 18gFiber: 5g
Notes
For extra crispy wedges, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry them thoroughly before seasoning. Ensure the baking sheets are not overcrowded to allow the wedges to roast rather than steam. Feel free to experiment with other toppings like pulled pork, jalapeños, or different types of cheese.
Keyword game day sweet potato recipes,loaded sweet potato wedges,super bowl snacks
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
