Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty sheet pan meal featuring tender pork shoulder seasoned with bold Cajun spices alongside caramelized sweet potato wedges. This southern american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork shoulder, medium (about 1 lb) 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges?

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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork with Sweet Potato Wedges?

Southern American pork 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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