Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy oven-roasted sweet potatoes with a smoky, spicy kick, served with a creamy dip that evokes Louisiana's vibrant holiday spirit. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes blends medium sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, garlic powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks; toss with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread sweet potato sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet; roast for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp around the edges.
  3. Step 3: While potatoes roast, scoop flesh from 1 avocado into a bowl; add 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Mash until smooth and creamy with a fork.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Dip take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Dip?

American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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