Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple sweet potato into something truly irresistible? Imagine crispy, golden wedges topped with melty cheese, creamy sauces, and all your favorite toppings—just like nachos, but better for you. These loaded sweet potato wedges take comfort food to a whole new level. Whether you’re craving a fun dinner, a hearty side, or a game-day snack, this recipe brings bold flavor and wholesome goodness in every bite.
Loaded sweet potato wedges are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. They’re sweet, savory, crispy, and creamy all at once. You can serve them as a main dish or a side, and they’ll fit perfectly at any casual dinner or party table.
What makes them special:
PrintLoaded Sweet Potato Wedges
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Loaded Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a healthier comfort food twist. Sweet potato wedges are roasted until golden, then topped with melty cheese, seasoned meat or beans, and a drizzle of creamy sauce for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef, chicken, or black beans
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, avocado, salsa, or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the Wedges: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread wedges in a single layer and bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare Toppings: While the wedges bake, cook your chosen protein (ground meat or beans) and shred the cheese. Chop fresh herbs and green onions for garnish.
- Assemble the Wedges: Once roasted, transfer wedges to an oven-safe dish. Top with cheese and cooked meat or beans. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and drizzle with sour cream or yogurt. Sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, and any extra toppings you love. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, soak the sweet potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. Pat dry thoroughly. To make it vegetarian, skip the meat and load up with black beans and veggies. Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with smoky, spicy toppings.
- They’re easy to customize—add your favorite proteins, sauces, and garnishes.
- They’re nutrient-rich, offering fiber, vitamins A and C, and a healthy dose of complex carbs.
Time requirement:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy – anyone can make them!
Essential Ingredients
To make these loaded sweet potato wedges, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes (2 large): Washed and cut into thick wedges. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin adds fiber and crispiness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the wedges roast perfectly and enhances flavor.
- Seasoning blend: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
- Toppings:
- Cooked protein: Ground beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a dairy-free alternative.
- Sauces: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or ranch dressing.
- Fresh toppings: Chopped green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Substitutions and variations:
- Use regular potatoes if you prefer a more classic wedge.
- For a vegan version, skip the cheese and sour cream—try vegan cheese and cashew cream instead.
- Add extra heat with hot sauce or chipotle mayo for a smoky twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes, then slice them into wedges—each about ½ inch thick. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Make sure every wedge is coated evenly.
Pro Tip: For ultra-crispy wedges, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Roast the Wedges
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the wedges in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides get golden brown and crispy.
Tip: For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2–3 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
While the wedges roast, prepare your toppings.
- If you’re using ground meat, cook it in a skillet with a little olive oil and your choice of spices—try taco seasoning, smoked paprika, or cumin for flavor.
- Shred your cheese, chop the green onions, and set aside your sauces.
This is the perfect time to get creative! You can add corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers for a loaded Tex-Mex style version.
Step 4: Assemble the Wedges
Once the wedges are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
Place them on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with your cooked protein and sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
Return to the oven for about 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and everything is warm and gooey.
Then, drizzle your favorite sauces over the top—sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli all work great. Finish with fresh green onions, jalapeños, or a pinch of parsley for color.
Assembly and Presentation
To make your plate truly eye-catching:
- Stack the wedges slightly to create height.
- Drizzle sauces in a zigzag pattern for a restaurant-style look.
- Garnish with bright, fresh toppings—green onions and herbs make all the difference.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty. Pair them with a crisp side salad or a cool drink like iced tea or lemonade for the perfect balance.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Loaded sweet potato wedges taste best fresh out of the oven, but you can easily make them ahead and reheat:
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crisp texture.
- To prep ahead: You can roast the wedges a few hours in advance and store them uncovered on a baking sheet. Reheat and load them just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss roasted wedges in buffalo sauce and top with ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles.
- BBQ Chicken: Use shredded BBQ chicken, cheddar, and a drizzle of ranch or BBQ sauce.
- Tex-Mex Loaded Wedges: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
- Breakfast Version: Top with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegan Delight: Use dairy-free cheese, lentil chili, and avocado crema for a satisfying plant-based version.
Health Benefits
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but packed with nutrients. They’re rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health, and they provide complex carbohydrates that give you steady energy. Plus, their natural sweetness means you don’t need to add sugar or heavy sauces to make them tasty.
These loaded sweet potato wedges are a guilt-free indulgence—crispy, hearty, and nourishing all at once.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a way to elevate your snack game or impress your dinner guests, these loaded sweet potato wedges are your new go-to recipe. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit every time.
So next time you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and satisfying, skip the fries and try these instead. Once you take that first bite—sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—you’ll know why they’re a crowd favorite.
Go ahead, experiment with toppings, make it your own, and enjoy every delicious wedge!
FAQs
1. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll turn out perfectly crisp and golden.
2. Can I use frozen sweet potato fries instead of fresh wedges?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time—frozen fries may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Are loaded sweet potato wedges healthy?
Yes! Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using minimal oil and fresh toppings keeps this dish light yet filling.
4. How can I make them extra crispy?
Soak the cut wedges in cold water before roasting, dry thoroughly, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This helps them roast evenly and crisp up perfectly.
5. What can I serve with them?
They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them as a main dish for a light dinner.
Final Thought:
Loaded sweet potato wedges are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create big flavor. With crispy edges, creamy toppings, and bold flavors, they’re a dish you’ll keep coming back to. Try them once, and they’ll become a permanent part of your comfort food lineup.