9 Ways to Make Sweet Potato Fries That Will Blow Your Mind
Believe it or not, you can have your fries and eat them, too. Sweet potato fries, that is! When you swap out white potatoes for sweet potatoes, you add a lot of nutritional value, and if you roast them instead of frying, they’re even healthier.
Overview
Believe it or not, you can have your fries and eat them, too. Sweet potato fries, that is! When you swap out white potatoes for sweet potatoes, you add a lot of nutritional value, and if you roast them instead of frying, they're even healthier. Sweet potatoes are full of beta carotene, B vitamins, potassium, fiber and phosphorous. For these recipes I use white, garnet and purple varieties. Purple are the least sweet, so I use them with savory toppings, while white and orange work well with sweet or savory. Now check out these nine recipes that will blow your mind!
Base Recipe
This base recipe works with all recipes, regardless of which type of sweet potato or toppings you use. You can use any neutral oil, but I use Thrive algae oil because it's high in monounsaturated fatty acids and has a smoke point of 485 degrees, so the high heat won't make the oil oxidize. Leave the peels on for as many nutrients as possible. BASE RECIPE: 5 cups (2 medium) sweet potatoes sliced into 1/4 inch-wide strips, 1 1/2 tbsp algae oil, 1/2 tsp salt. Preheat over to 415 degrees F. Drizzle half the oil on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Lay sweet potato strips flat, sprinkle with salt and the rest of the oil. Roast for 35 minutes, flip halfway through.
Cinnamon Coconut Sugar Fries
Coconut sugar is lower on the glycemic index than other sugars, but some health experts say that when it comes to sweeteners, the glycemic index isn't relevant. But what everyone agrees with is that coconut sugar is lower in fructose than other sweeteners, and the less fructose you consume, the better. It tastes similar to brown sugar, but with the dry texture of white. Here, I pair it with cinnamon for a nostalgic churro-like vibe, but also because the cinnamon helps lower blood sugar. (Paleo, vegan, gluten- and grain-free)
Related: Full Recipe: Cinnamon Coconut Sugar Fries
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Fries
If you're raising an eyebrow at the combo of chocolate and sweet potatoes, you won't be alone. Though not exactly mainstream (yet!), "dessert fries" are definitely something people are beginning to appreciate. Dark chocolate provides a hit of theobromine, the feel-good chemical contained in cacao, and strawberries lend fiber and antioxidants. These are filling, so you can eat them by themselves as a snack or after a very light meal! (Paleo, vegan, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Dark Chocolate Strawberry Fries
Sea Salt Caramel Trail Mix Fries
The caramel in this recipe is a raw-vegan community favorite that's made from soaked dates and their soaking water. It's livened up a bit with a good pinch of salt and a dash of cinnamon. The salt offsets the sweetness of the dates, and the cinnamon brings it to a more standard caramel color and lessens some of the dates' sugary effect on your blood. You can use any dried fruits, nuts and seeds that you like. (Paleo, vegan, gluten- and grain-free)
Related: Full Recipe: Cinnamon Coconut Sugar Fries
Nacho Fries
Nachos are great, but what nacho eaters really love is the crispy and gooey melted cheese, salsa and other dippable, messy ingredients. Here, I've swapped corn chips for purple sweet potatoes and sour cream for Greek yogurt, so the result is healthier than regular nachos. I didn't add beans because sweet potatoes are so high in carbs, but you can throw those on too if you want! Just add them along with the cheese and hot sauce before baking. (Vegetarian, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Nacho Fries
Mini Meatball Fries
This adorable appetizer practically screams "party time!" The secret is to form the meatballs, poke a chopstick through them then insert the fry. You can dip these in regular ketchup, mustard, or mayo, but the meatballs have enough interesting flavor that they're great alone. Ground beef is mixed with ground turkey for the richness of beef alongside the lightness of turkey, and almond flour replaces any starches. (Paleo, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Mini Meatball Fries
Broccoli Alfredo Fries
Cashew Alfredo tastes like much more than the sum of its parts, and it's a great alternative for people who want a creamy sauce free of wheat and dairy. The onion and garlic powders are what add taste and flavor to the Alfredo sauce, so don't skip those ingredients! Steamed broccoli gives this dish a "loaded baked potato" feel and provides vitamin K, folic acid and collagen-boosting vitamin C. (Paleo, vegan, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Broccoli Alfredo Fries
Parmesan Garlic Fries
Since purple sweet potatoes are the least sweet of all the varietals, they're the best choice for this classic version of fries. The fresh raw garlic packs a huge punch of flavor and is antibacterial and excellent for immunity. Parmesan cheese counters the garlic's strong taste with its own sharpness, creating an appetizer that's as indulgent as the deep-fried white version. These are a fun start to a meal or a great side dish -- the vibe of diner garlic fries without all the excess oil. (Vegetarian, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Fries
Chili Fries
This recipe is perfect for chili leftovers. I used the leftovers from my Chipotle Chorizo White Bean Chili recipe: It's rich and hearty, with a heavy amount of heat that the sweet potato fries will help mellow out. You could easily make it a vegan dish by using one of the vegan chili recipes from the slideshow (*see the link below) or your own favorite recipe. (Dairy-, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Chili Fries
Cheddar Cheesy Fries
What's better than a vegan cheese sauce over sweet potato fries? Quick answer: a vegan cheese sauce over sweet potato fries that, itself, is packed with sweet potatoes! The cheese sauce contains cashews as well, and the sweet potato is perfect for rounding out their nutty heaviness. Steaming a small amount of sweet potato and blending it with the cashews and flavorings lightens the overall sauce and adds a vibrant orange hue that more closely resembles a "real" cheese sauce. This is a sauce that carnivores and dairy eaters also go wild for, so there's no need to be vegan to try it! (Paleo, vegan, gluten- and grain-free).
Related: Full Recipe: Cheddar Cheesy Fries
What Do YOU Think?
Which one of these recipes are you going to try out? Do you have a unique sweet potato fries recipe? Do you prefer sweet or savory fries? Leave a comment below and let us know how your fries turned out!