ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
This is the classic way to prepare sweet potatoes, in my opinion. It’s so simple, and you can serve it with almost any protein plus a green vegetable, and you have a complete Paleo dinner without having to do much planning. It’s like the Emergency Pasta (here) of Paleo carbs, if you will. SERVES 4
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 35 minutes
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 onion, quartered and divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 or 4 tablespoons (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the onion, garlic, and olive oil.
- Transfer to a baking sheet, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and slightly browned, and serve.
VARIATION 1 BALSAMIC-ROASTED SWEET POTATOES: Toss the sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil with ¼ cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (here). Continue with the recipe as written.
VARIATION 2 SPICY ROASTED SWEET POTATOES: After transferring the sweet potatoes to a baking sheet, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper. Continue with the recipe as written.
More Recipes You'll Love
Roasted sweet potatoes with caramelized onion and garlic are the side dish that goes with absolutely everything — chunky sweet potato pieces roasted at high heat until tender and golden, with sweet onion and garlic clinging to every piece. Simple, reliable, and deeply satisfying. This is the recipe you'll make on autopilot every week.
Pro Tips
- Roast at 425°F for the best caramelization — the high heat browns the edges while keeping the centers creamy.
- Cut the sweet potato into even chunks so everything finishes at the same time; nobody wants the small pieces burnt and the big ones raw.
- Toss everything together in a bowl with the oil before spreading on the pan — it coats the vegetables far more evenly than drizzling on the sheet.
- Quarter the onion into wedges that roast into sweet, jammy petals rather than tiny bits that burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Not at all — the skin gets crispy in the oven and adds texture and nutrients. Scrub them well and cut them skin-on for the easiest version.
How do I keep them from sticking?
Use a well-oiled pan and don't move the chunks too soon. Once they've caramelized, they release naturally from the metal.
Is this dish Paleo?
Yes — sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and seasoning. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and one of the most useful sides in a Paleo kitchen.
Can I roast other vegetables with them?
Absolutely — carrots, red onion, or brussels sprouts roast at the same temperature. Just cut everything to a similar size.
Recipe Card

Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the onion, garlic, and olive oil.
- Transfer to a baking sheet, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and slightly browned, and serve.




