Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Guacamole

Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Guacamole have become a staple in our household, and for good reason! What started as a fun experiment to find a healthier alternative to chips and dip quickly turned into a family favorite. The kids love the slightly sweet and satisfying crunch of the sweet potato rounds, and honestly, who can resist creamy, homemade guacamole? This recipe is not only incredibly tasty and satisfying but also surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a quick appetizer for unexpected guests, a healthy snack for movie night, or even a light lunch, these sweet potato rounds with guacamole always hit the spot. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can experience the joy of this delightful dish in your own home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sweet Potatoes: (2 large) The star of the show! Choose firm sweet potatoes, preferably similar in size for even cooking. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a delightful base for the guacamole.
• Avocados: (3 ripe) Creamy, dreamy avocados are essential for a good guacamole. Make sure they are ripe but not mushy for the best texture and flavor.
• Red Onion: (½ small) Adds a sharp, pungent bite to the guacamole. Finely diced red onion provides a lovely contrast to the creamy avocado.
• Lime Juice: (2-3 tablespoons, fresh) Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for both flavor and preventing the guacamole from browning. It brightens the overall taste profile.
• Cilantro: (¼ cup, fresh) Fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, herbaceous note to the guacamole. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with parsley, but cilantro is highly recommended.
• Jalapeño: (1 small, optional) For a touch of heat, finely mince a jalapeño pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave them in for a spicier kick.
• Garlic: (2 cloves) Garlic adds a savory depth to the guacamole. Minced or grated garlic blends seamlessly into the creamy avocado.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) A good quality olive oil is used to lightly coat the sweet potato rounds before baking, helping them crisp up beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning both the sweet potato rounds and the guacamole. Salt enhances the flavors, and pepper adds a subtle warmth.
• Optional Spices for Sweet Potatoes: (Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder) These are optional but highly recommended for adding extra flavor depth to the sweet potato rounds. They complement the sweetness and create a more savory profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Perfection

1. Preheat Your Oven & Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving crispy sweet potato rounds. While the oven is heating, wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds both texture and nutrients, and it also helps the rounds hold their shape.
2. Slice the Sweet Potatoes into Rounds: Carefully slice the sweet potatoes into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Aim for even thickness so they cook uniformly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving consistent slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. If your sweet potatoes are very long, you might need to cut them in half crosswise before slicing rounds to make them more manageable.
3. Season the Sweet Potato Rounds: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure each round is lightly coated for even crisping and seasoning. For extra flavor, now is the time to add your optional spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or onion powder. A light sprinkle of any or all of these will elevate the flavor profile of the sweet potato rounds.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet & Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them, preventing them from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets or bake in batches. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potato rounds are tender and golden brown with crispy edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them nicely browned but not burnt.
5. Prepare the Guacamole While Sweet Potatoes Bake: While the sweet potato rounds are baking, it’s time to make the guacamole. This ensures everything is ready to serve at the same time. In a medium bowl, halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl.
6. Mash the Avocados: Using a fork, mash the avocados to your desired consistency. Some people prefer chunky guacamole, while others like it smoother. For a smoother guacamole, mash more thoroughly. For a chunkier texture, leave some avocado pieces intact.
7. Add Remaining Guacamole Ingredients: To the mashed avocado, add the finely diced red onion, minced cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and optional minced jalapeño.
8. Season and Combine Guacamole: Season the guacamole generously with salt and pepper. Remember that salt is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the avocado and other ingredients. Stir everything together gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Now, taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. Does it need more lime juice for brightness? More salt? A touch more jalapeño for heat? This is the time to customize the guacamole to your preference.
10. Serve Immediately or Chill (with a Trick!): Once the sweet potato rounds are baked and the guacamole is prepared, they are best enjoyed immediately while the rounds are still warm and crispy. If you need to prepare the guacamole ahead of time, transfer it to an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours.
11. Assemble and Enjoy: Once the sweet potato rounds are slightly cooled and still crispy, arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon generous dollops of guacamole onto each sweet potato round, or serve the guacamole in a bowl alongside the rounds for dipping. Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for visual appeal, if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts: A Healthy and Delicious Choice

(Per serving, assuming 6 servings per recipe. Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 sweet potato rounds with a generous dollop of guacamole.
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
• Total Fat: 15-20g (Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
• Vitamin A: High (from sweet potatoes and avocados)
• Vitamin C: Good source (from lime juice and sweet potatoes)
• Potassium: Excellent source (from sweet potatoes and avocados)

This recipe provides a good source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying snack or appetizer option. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegan.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes washing, slicing sweet potatoes, and chopping vegetables for guacamole).
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking sweet potato rounds).
• Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, especially if you make the guacamole while the sweet potatoes are baking. It’s perfect for those times when you want a delicious and healthy snack without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Guacamole

These versatile sweet potato rounds with guacamole can be served in numerous ways, making them perfect for various occasions:

• Appetizer for Parties and Gatherings: Arrange the crispy rounds on a platter and top each with a generous dollop of guacamole for an elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizer. They are visually appealing and offer a healthier alternative to traditional party snacks.
• Healthy Snack: Enjoy a few rounds as a satisfying and nutritious snack between meals. They are much healthier than chips and provide sustained energy thanks to the fiber and healthy fats.
• Light Lunch or Brunch: Serve a larger portion as a light and flavorful lunch or brunch option. Pair them with a side salad for a more complete meal.
• Taco Topping Alternative: Crumble the crispy sweet potato rounds and use them as a unique and flavorful topping for tacos or salads.
• Alongside Grilled Dishes: Serve them as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables for a balanced and flavorful meal. The sweetness of the potato rounds complements savory grilled dishes beautifully.
• Vegan Charcuterie Board Addition: Include them on a vegan or vegetarian charcuterie board for a crispy and flavorful element.
• Kids’ Snack: Kids often love the sweetness and crispy texture of the sweet potato rounds, making them a healthy snack option that’s also kid-friendly. You can make the guacamole milder by reducing or omitting the jalapeño.

Additional Tips for Sweet Potato Round Success

1. Uniform Slicing is Key: Aim for evenly sliced sweet potato rounds (about ¼ inch thick) to ensure they cook at the same rate and crisp up uniformly. Inconsistent thickness can lead to some rounds being burnt while others are still undercooked.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the sweet potato rounds space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy rounds rather than crispy ones. Bake in batches if necessary.
3. Flip Halfway Through Baking: Flipping the sweet potato rounds halfway through the baking process ensures even browning and crisping on both sides. Set a timer to remind yourself to flip them.
4. Spice it Up (or Keep it Simple): Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices on the sweet potato rounds. Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can add delicious flavor variations. For a simpler flavor, just stick with salt and pepper.
5. Fresh Lime Juice is a Must for Guacamole: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the bright, tangy flavor of guacamole and also helps prevent browning. Bottled lime juice doesn’t provide the same fresh flavor.
6. Taste and Adjust Guacamole Seasoning: Guacamole is all about personal preference. Taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Need more salt? More lime? More heat? Don’t be afraid to customize it.
7. Prevent Guacamole Browning: To prevent guacamole from browning if making it ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, ensuring no air pockets. Store in the refrigerator. A squeeze of extra lime juice on top can also help.
8. Get Creative with Toppings: While guacamole is the classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other toppings on the sweet potato rounds. Try black bean salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream or vegan sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese (if not vegan).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Guacamole

Q1: Can I make the sweet potato rounds ahead of time?
A: For the best crispy texture, it’s recommended to bake the sweet potato rounds just before serving. However, you can slice the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat them very dry before seasoning and baking. Reheating baked sweet potato rounds will likely result in a less crispy texture.

Q2: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: While sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and ability to crisp up well, you could experiment with other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. However, the flavor and texture will be different. Regular potatoes might require a slightly longer baking time to achieve crispiness.

Q3: How do I make sure my sweet potato rounds are crispy?
A: Several factors contribute to crispy sweet potato rounds: slicing them thinly and evenly, not overcrowding the baking sheet, using enough oil, and baking at a high enough temperature (400°F/200°C). Flipping them halfway through baking also helps.

Q4: Can I make guacamole without cilantro?
A: Yes, if you don’t like cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh parsley. While cilantro is traditional in guacamole, parsley will still add a fresh, herbaceous note, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q5: How long does guacamole last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored guacamole (in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface) can last in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. However, it’s best to consume it within 24 hours for optimal freshness and flavor as it can start to lose its vibrant green color and flavor over time.

Q6: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you ensure all ingredients are plant-based. Sweet potatoes, avocados, and the other ingredients are all vegan-friendly.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to the guacamole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize your guacamole by adding other vegetables like diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or bell peppers. These additions can enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of your guacamole.

Q8: What if I don’t have a jalapeño? Can I still make guacamole?
A: Yes, you can definitely make guacamole without jalapeño. If you don’t want any heat, simply omit it. If you like a little spice but don’t have jalapeños, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the guacamole for a similar kick.

Enjoy making and sharing these Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Guacamole! They are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.