These Sauteed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect easy and healthy side dish. Sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully when sauteed, becoming irresistibly tender and sweet.

Top view photo of a cast iron skillet with sauteed sweet potato cubes in the pan. There is a silver in the pan, and a small bowl with spices in the bottom of the photo.

When you cook sweet potatoes at high heat in a skillet, the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes concentrate and enhance the delectable flavor. It also adds a nice crispy texture on the outside, while remaining fluffy on the inside.

The potatoes also soak up the warming spice mixture that compliments sweet potatoes so well. This quick and healthy vegetable side pairs well with just about anything.

Try it with this Vegan Meatloaf recipe, or alongside Vegetarian Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers.

Why You’ll Love This Sauteed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Sweet and Caramelized – Cooking the sweet potato chunks at high heat results in little nuggets of sweetness. Their outer surface gets golden and crispy.
Soak Up Flavor – The sauteeing method allows the sweet potato pieces to absorb the spice blend, resulting in potatoes bursting with flavor.
Quick and Easy – They make for a fast and healthy side dish. In less than 30 minutes, you can have these sweet potatoes on the table and ready to enjoy.

Photo of a cast iron skillet, filled with sauteed sweet potatoes cubes.

Ingredients To Make Sauteed Sweet Potatoes

To make Sauteed Sweet Potatoes, you’ll need just a few ingredients that tie everything together and take this recipe to the next level.

Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are the star of the show in this dish. Make sure to peel and chop them to roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

Olive Oil – This is our cooking oil of choice, but feel free to use your favorite cooking oil.

Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic element that complements the potatoes so well.

Chili Powder – Chili powder incorporates heat and smokiness that enhances the potatoes’ flavor.

Cumin – Cumin has an earthy flavor that adds depth to the dish.

Salt – Salt is critical for boosting and balancing flavors.

Black Pepper – Just a dash of black pepper provides a subtle heat contrast and more flavor dimension.

With these ingredients, you can make Sauteed Sweet Potatoes with comforting ingredients that are sure to wow your guests.

Steps To Make Sauteed Sweet Potatoes

Gather your ingredients.
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into approx. ½ inch cubes.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet on a medium setting. Add the sweet potato and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Sprinkle over the spices, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another 5 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly browned.

For the full list of ingredients and instructions, refer to the recipe for Sauteed Sweet Potatoes below.

Closeup photo of a silver spoon scooping up a spoonful of sauteed sweet potatoes, from a cast iron skillet.

Cindy’s Tips and Tricks for Making Sauteed Sweet Potatoes

Uniform Sweet Potatoes

Chop your peeled sweet potatoes into uniform-sized chunks. This allows them to cook at the same rate, evenly caramelizing rather than burning.

Don’t Overcrowd

Use a hot pan and don’t overcrowd. Medium heat is critical for proper sautéing and browning. Avoid overcrowding so potatoes brown versus steam.

Don’t Stir Too Often

You want to allow a nice browned crust to form on the sweet potatoes, so don’t stir too often to allow that to form.

Customize Your Spices

Feel free to switch up the spices for your favorites. Paprika, rosemary, and onion powder are also great additions. For a sweet option, cinnamon and brown sugar, or pumpkin pie spice would complement this dish well.

Storage Tips

Sauteed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

FAQ About Sauteed Sweet Potatoes

You can sauté white potatoes, but they won’t become as sweet or caramelized. Sweet potatoes are ideal.

We recommend you peel the potatoes first, but you are also welcome to leave the peel on. The peel is very nutritious.

If you are using a cast iron skillet, make sure you add oil and that your skillet is well seasoned. If you use a nonstick pan, it shouldn’t stick.

More Delicious Potato Recipes

I found this recipe for Charred Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey Butter and Lime that I HAVE to try!

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