Best Bites: Roast Skinny Sweet Potato Fries

By Donna Erickson

Roast Skinny Sweet Potato Fries

There's skinny this and skinny that -- as in skinny jeans or a skinny latte -- so I couldn't resist calling my family's favorite new version of roasted sweet potatoes: "Skinny Sweet Potato Fries."

It happened at the kitchen counter recently when a basketful of the tuberous root inspired me. Instead of cutting the sweet potatoes in wedges like I've always done for roasting vegetables, I slimmed the slices and turned them into a new experience for a tasty side to ribs, burgers, sandwiches and fish. They make a tasty and unique appetizer or a healthy snack, too.

Sweet potatoes have a rich, nutty and sweet flavor, and they're full of good-for-you beta carotene, antioxidants and fiber. Transformed into these fries, the vegetable is mouthwatering, delicious, and fun for dipping with good ol' ketchup (a kid favorite) or a tasty low-fat mayonnaise/Sriracha combo.

SKINNY SWEET POTATO FRIES

Serves 4

• 4 medium sweet potatoes approximately 5-inches long, peeled

• 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste

• Pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Place them with the flat side down and cut them into thin, long slices -- about a 1/4 inch thick. Place the thinly sliced pieces on their side and cut additional thin slices, making sure that they're all uniform in thickness.

Place the cut potatoes in a single layer on a nonstick or parchment-lined rimmed cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss well. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the sheet, and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender. Serve hot.

Extra Serving Ideas:

• Spicy dipping sauce: Stir together 4 tablespoons of low-fat mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon of Sriracha hot chili sauce. Or substitute a squeeze of fresh lime juice for the sauce.

• Garlic dipping sauce: Stir together 2 tablespoons of low-fat mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of fat-free Greek yogurt and 1 clove of garlic, crushed and minced.

• Season the fries before baking with any number of herbs and spices such as thyme, parsley, cumin, chili powder or smoked paprika.

Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.

(c) 2026 Donna Erickson

Distributed by King Features Synd.