Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

A hearty sheet pan meal featuring tender pork shoulder seasoned with bold Cajun spices alongside caramelized sweet potato wedges. This Southern American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, sweet potatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 medium (about 1 lb) sweet potatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel 2 medium sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges. Toss the wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this Cajun spice mix all over 1.5 lbs pork shoulder.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder for 2 minutes per side until browned, then place it on the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes.
4. Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning the sweet potatoes halfway through, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and sweet potatoes are tender with caramelized edges.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve pork slices with the roasted sweet potato wedges.