Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Roasting · Storage: 3-4 days refrigerated.
Quick Answer
Create vibrant roasted sweet potato stacks drizzled with chipotle sauce for a delightful autumn dish.
As the crisp autumn air settles in New York City and the streets are adorned with colorful fall foliage, I find myself drawn to the warmth of my kitchen. With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, it's time to embrace the season's harvest and add some delightful dishes to our tables. Today, I'm excited to share a vibrant recipe that not only celebrates seasonal produce but also packs a punch of flavor: Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce.
A Colorful Addition to Your Holiday Table
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and savory, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday table.
- Simple, fresh ingredients that celebrate the autumn harvest.
- Packed with flavor from the smokiness of chipotle and creaminess of cheese.
- Visually stunning stacks that are sure to impress your guests.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your gathering without stress.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following fresh, high-quality ingredients:
Sweet Potato Stacks
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or creamy Monterey Jack recommended)
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, for garnish
Chipotle Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (options available for non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to create a delightful dish with just a few steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The anticipation of warming your kitchen is part of the joy of cooking during the holiday season.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water and slice them into thin, even rounds-about ¼ inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer ensures the slices cook evenly.
Step 3: Toss and Season
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The oil will help the potatoes crisp beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Stacks
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, stack the sweet potato rounds in little towers, layering them three to four slices high for an appealing presentation.
Step 5: Roast the Potatoes
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until tender with a caramelized edge. The wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen as they cook.
Step 6: Make the Chipotle Sauce
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chipotle sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven to cool slightly. Layer the roasted rounds on a serving platter, sprinkling shredded cheese between each layer.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle the stacked sweet potatoes with chipotle sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing sweet potatoes unevenly: This can lead to some slices being undercooked while others are burnt, so be consistent in your cuts.
- Skipping the cooling period: Letting the sweet potatoes cool slightly before stacking helps them hold their shape better and enhances the flavors.
- Using too much sauce: Chipotle sauce has a kick! Be mindful of how much you drizzle to avoid overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a more complex flavor, try roasting your sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the heat from the chipotle.
- These stacks can be prepared ahead of time; just reheat them gently in the oven before serving.
Variations
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
- Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or zucchini for a different texture.
- Add roasted black beans or corn for additional protein and nutrition.
- Incorporate spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
How to Serve
- Layer the stacks on a serving platter with the chipotle sauce drizzled on top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch.
- Serve as a side dish for holiday meals or as a main course for a vegetarian option.
- Pair with a light salad or sautéed greens for a balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: These sweet potato stacks can be assembled a day ahead of time; just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store any leftover sweet potato stacks and chipotle sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place in a 350°F oven until warmed through; this helps to maintain their lovely texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing and reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
This recipe taught me the importance of balancing flavors; the sweetness of the potatoes combined with the smoky heat of the chipotle creates a harmonious dish that's perfect for the holiday table. I'd also never underestimate the visual appeal of stacked dishes-it's an effortless way to impress your guests!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 2 stacks
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 5g protein · 35g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Vibrant Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water and slice them into thin, even rounds—about ¼ inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, stack the sweet potato rounds in little towers, layering them three to four slices high.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until tender with a caramelized edge.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chipotle sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven to cool slightly. Layer the roasted rounds on a serving platter, sprinkling shredded cheese between each layer.
- Drizzle the stacked sweet potatoes with chipotle sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, you can try using butternut squash or regular potatoes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of potato used.
2. How do I store leftover chipotle sauce?
Store leftover chipotle sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to a week, and you can use it to enhance other dishes too!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato stacks in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently in the oven before serving for the best texture.
