Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large sweet potato: (About 8–10 inches long, choose one that is relatively straight for even slices). This is the star of the show! Look for a firm sweet potato without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: (Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits). Olive oil helps the sweet potato slices caramelize beautifully in the oven or toaster and adds a touch of richness. You can also use coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Pinch of sea salt: (Coarse or fine sea salt works well). Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potato and balances the flavors.
- Optional toppings: (Get creative! Consider avocado, eggs, nut butter, seeds, fruits, vegetables, hummus, beans, cheese, herbs, spices, etc.). This is where you can really personalize your sweet potato toast and create endless variations to suit your taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato: Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet potato under cool running water. It’s important to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Next, trim off the very ends of the sweet potato with a sharp knife. This creates a flat surface for slicing and removes any tough or dry ends.
- Slice the Sweet Potato: Now comes the slicing. Using a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer (for uniform thickness), carefully slice the sweet potato lengthwise into planks that are approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick. Aim for even thickness to ensure consistent cooking. Thicker slices will take longer to cook and will be softer, while thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier. You should get about 4-6 slices from a large sweet potato, depending on its size.
- Oil and Season: Place the sweet potato slices in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring that each slice is lightly coated. The olive oil will help them crisp up and prevent them from drying out during cooking. Sprinkle the slices with a pinch of sea salt. Toss the slices gently with your hands or a spatula to evenly distribute the oil and salt.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: You have several options for “toasting” your sweet potato slices:
- Toaster: This is the quickest and easiest method for a few slices. Insert 1-2 sweet potato slices into your toaster at a time, just like you would with bread. You may need to toast them on a medium to high setting for 2-3 cycles, or until they are tender and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as toasters can vary in heat.
- Oven: For larger batches or more even cooking, the oven is ideal. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork and slightly caramelized around the edges. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your slices and your oven.
- Air Fryer: An air fryer is a fantastic option for achieving crispy sweet potato toast quickly. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sweet potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are tender and golden brown.
- Toast to Perfection: Regardless of your chosen method, you’re aiming for sweet potato slices that are tender on the inside and slightly caramelized and browned on the outside edges. They should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking, as they can become dry or burnt.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Once your sweet potato toast is cooked to your liking, remove it from the toaster, oven, or air fryer. Now comes the fun part – adding your toppings! While the toast is still warm, spread or layer on your desired toppings. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. See the “How to Serve” section below for topping ideas.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Sweet potato toast is best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after toasting and topping. The texture is at its peak, and the flavors are most vibrant. Enjoy your healthy and delicious sweet potato toast!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 120
- Fiber: 4 grams