Sweet Potato Bites with Guac

Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole have become an absolute staple in our household. From weeknight snacks to weekend gatherings, these vibrant little bites are always a hit. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devour them, and my friends are constantly asking for the recipe. There’s something about the naturally sweet roasted sweet potato paired with the creamy, zesty guacamole that is just utterly irresistible. Plus, knowing they are packed with nutrients makes them a guilt-free pleasure. Honestly, these little bites are not just a recipe; they’re a flavor explosion that brings joy to every occasion. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a healthy snack, or just something a little different to spice up your meal routine, you absolutely have to try these Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole. They are simple to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes, providing a naturally sweet and nutrient-rich base for the bites.
• Avocados: 3 ripe avocados, the heart of the creamy and flavorful guacamole.
• Red Onion: ½ small red onion, finely diced, adding a sharp and pungent bite to the guacamole.
• Lime Juice: 2 limes, freshly squeezed, for a bright, citrusy tang in the guacamole and to prevent browning.
• Cilantro: ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, lending a fresh, herbaceous note to the guacamole.
• Jalapeño: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional), for a touch of heat in the guacamole.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, enhancing the savory flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon onion powder, complementing the garlic powder and adding depth.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, providing a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the sweet potatoes.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting the sweet potatoes and adding richness.
• Salt: To taste, essential for seasoning both the sweet potatoes and the guacamole.
• Black Pepper: To taste, adding a touch of spice and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Optional Toppings for Guacamole: Cherry tomatoes (diced), corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese (for non-vegan option), red pepper flakes (for extra heat).

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them if you prefer the added nutrients and texture of the skin, but peeling is also perfectly fine if you prefer a smoother bite. If you are peeling, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Once prepared, cut the sweet potatoes into rounds, approximately ½ inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this flavorful mixture evenly over the sweet potato rounds. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the sweet potatoes gently, ensuring each round is well coated with the oil and spice mixture. This step is crucial for infusing the sweet potatoes with delicious savory flavors that will complement the guacamole perfectly. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet again, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which you want to avoid to get those slightly crispy edges.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. Halfway through the cooking time, around 10-12 minutes in, flip the sweet potato rounds using a spatula. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary. Once they are tender when pierced with a fork and have a nice golden-brown color, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sweet potato bites cool slightly while you prepare the guacamole.
4. Prepare the Guacamole: While the sweet potatoes are roasting and cooling, it’s time to make the star of the show – the guacamole! Start by halving the avocados lengthwise. Remove the pits by carefully inserting the blade of a knife into the pit and twisting gently. Scoop out the avocado flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the avocado immediately. The lime juice not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps to prevent the guacamole from browning, keeping it vibrant green.
5. Mash the Avocado: Using a fork, mash the avocado to your desired consistency. Some people prefer completely smooth guacamole, while others like it chunkier. For these sweet potato bites, a slightly chunky guacamole provides a nice textural contrast to the smooth roasted sweet potato. Don’t over-mash it unless you prefer a very smooth consistency.
6. Add the Remaining Guacamole Ingredients: Add the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the mashed avocado. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and then adjust to taste. Remember that salt is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients in the guacamole.
7. Mix and Taste: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, especially if you prefer a chunkier guacamole. Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for extra tang, more salt for flavor, or more jalapeño for heat. This is your chance to customize the guacamole to your personal preference.
8. Assemble the Sweet Potato Bites: Once the sweet potato rounds have cooled slightly and the guacamole is ready, it’s time to assemble the bites. Take each roasted sweet potato round and top it generously with a spoonful of the freshly made guacamole. You can be as generous as you like with the guacamole!
9. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, you can garnish the sweet potato bites with optional toppings. Some great options include diced cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color, corn kernels for added sweetness and texture, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese (if you’re not keeping it vegan or vegetarian) for a salty, cheesy note, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat. Fresh cilantro sprigs can also be used for a simple and elegant garnish.
10. Serve Immediately: Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole are best served immediately after assembly. This is when the sweet potatoes are still slightly warm (or at room temperature), and the guacamole is fresh and vibrant. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can roast the sweet potatoes and make the guacamole separately and assemble them just before serving to prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming soggy and the guacamole from browning.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole
(Approximate values, may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes

This recipe is wonderfully efficient, requiring just 15 minutes of active preparation time to chop the vegetables, season the sweet potatoes, and whip up the guacamole. The remaining 25 minutes are hands-off roasting time in the oven, allowing you to relax or prepare other parts of your meal while the sweet potatoes become tender and flavorful. From start to finish, you’ll have these delicious and healthy Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole ready in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for a quick appetizer, snack, or light meal.

How to Serve

• Appetizer: Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole are an excellent appetizer for parties, gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors are sure to impress your guests. Arrange them beautifully on a platter for an eye-catching and mouthwatering starter.
• Snack: Enjoy these bites as a healthy and satisfying afternoon snack. They are much more nutritious and flavorful than processed snacks and will keep you energized and full until your next meal.
• Party Food: Perfect for potlucks, game day, or any casual get-together. They are easy to transport and serve at room temperature, making them ideal for parties where you need to bring a dish.
• Light Lunch: A few Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole can make a light and refreshing lunch. Pair them with a side salad for a more complete and balanced meal.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan, making it a fantastic choice for guests with dietary restrictions or preferences. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy.
• Taco Tuesday Alternative: Spice up your Taco Tuesday by serving these as a unique and healthy alternative to traditional tacos. The sweet potato and guacamole combination offers a delightful twist on Mexican flavors.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian main courses to add a flavorful and nutritious side dish to your dinner table.
• Build-Your-Own Bite Bar: For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a “Sweet Potato Bite Bar.” Roast the sweet potato rounds, prepare the guacamole, and then offer a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, salsa, and different types of cheeses (for non-vegan options). Let your guests create their own personalized sweet potato bites!

Additional Tips

• Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat in your guacamole by adjusting the amount of jalapeño. For a milder guacamole, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or use a milder pepper like poblano. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Sweet Potato Variety: While standard orange sweet potatoes are classic, feel free to experiment with different varieties like Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsumaimo) or white sweet potatoes for subtle flavor variations.
• Roasting Perfection: For extra crispy sweet potato edges, make sure the sweet potato rounds are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure proper spacing and even roasting.
• Guacamole Variations: Get creative with your guacamole! Add other ingredients like roasted corn, black beans, or mango for different flavor profiles. A squeeze of lemon or orange juice can also add a unique citrusy twist.
• Make Ahead Components: To save time, you can roast the sweet potato rounds up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them slightly in the oven or microwave before assembling. The guacamole is best made fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
• Storage of Leftovers: While best enjoyed fresh, leftover sweet potato bites can be stored in separate containers in the refrigerator. The guacamole is best consumed within a day or two as it may brown slightly, even with lime juice. The roasted sweet potatoes can be reheated and used for other meals or snacks.
• Serving Temperature: Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole can be served warm, at room temperature, or even slightly chilled. The temperature preference often depends on personal taste and the season. In warmer months, slightly chilled bites can be particularly refreshing.
• Presentation Matters: Arrange the assembled sweet potato bites attractively on a platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs, a sprinkle of paprika, or a drizzle of olive oil for a more polished and appealing presentation. Use colorful plates or serving dishes to enhance the visual appeal even further.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare components ahead. Roast the sweet potato rounds a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Guacamole is best fresh, but can be made a few hours ahead; press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate. Assemble just before serving for best quality.

Q2: How do I prevent my guacamole from turning brown?
A: Lime juice is your best friend! Use plenty of fresh lime juice in the guacamole, as it acts as a natural preservative. Also, when storing guacamole, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure, which causes browning. Refrigerate promptly.

Q3: Can I use frozen guacamole for this recipe?
A: Freshly made guacamole is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen guacamole may be watery or lack the fresh taste. If using frozen, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. However, fresh is always preferable.

Q4: What are some good topping variations for the guacamole?
A: Get creative! Try adding diced mango or pineapple for sweetness, roasted corn or black beans for texture, pico de gallo for extra freshness, crumbled feta or cotija cheese (non-vegan) for a salty tang, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added spice.

Q5: Can I bake or air fry the sweet potato rounds instead of roasting?
A: Yes! Baking works perfectly as described in the recipe. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the seasoned sweet potato rounds in batches for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.

Q6: Are Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole gluten-free and vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary for strict gluten-free diets.

Q7: Can I make these spicier?
A: Absolutely! To increase the spice level, you can add more jalapeño to the guacamole, include some serrano peppers for extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sweet potato seasoning, or serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce.

Q8: What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Can I substitute it?
A: Smoked paprika adds a unique smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with regular paprika or chili powder for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile. You could also add a tiny pinch of liquid smoke for a smoky note, but use it sparingly as it can be overpowering.

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