Minnesota Maple-Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika
Crispy oven-baked sweet potato sticks coated in a hint of maple syrup and smoked paprika, perfect for weeknight dinners or as a kid-friendly snack. This american-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, pure maple syrup, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 large (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch sticks sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika until the salt dissolves.
- Step 3: Add the sweet potato sticks to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the oil mixture.
- Step 4: Spread the sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Minnesota Maple-Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Minnesota Maple-Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Minnesota Maple-Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika?
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 Minnesota Maple-Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika 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.
Is Minnesota Maple-Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
