Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potato Slices Recipe

These roasted sweet potato slices bake with brown sugar on top so they caramelize for an irresistible finish.

Sweet potatoes are a versatile, nutritious side that can serve as both a starch and a vegetable. They pair well with pork, chicken, or any protein for a simple, balanced meal. While roasting whole sweet potatoes is delicious, it takes time. Sliced and roasted, they cook much faster while still delivering sweet, tender centers and caramelized edges. Try this easy method next time you have garnet (orange) sweet potatoes on hand — it’s quick, kid-friendly, and sure to become a favorite.

Pin with image of roasted sweet potato slices and text on bottom that reads "a kid-approved side dish, roasted sweet potato slices with cinnamon and brown sugar, www.thedefaultcook.com".

Close up of roasted sweet potato rounds on a white plate.

Why you’ll love this easy side dish:

Fast – prep takes only 5–10 minutes
Simple ingredients you likely already have
Kid-friendly thanks to the sweet, caramelized topping

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Let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

Sweet potatoes – Use garnet (orange) sweet potatoes for the best texture and color.

Olive oil – Avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter can be used instead. Oil is convenient and skips an extra melting step.

Sea salt – Regular table salt works fine.

Cinnamon – Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with brown sugar.

Brown sugar – Gives the slices that caramelized topping. You can use maple syrup if you prefer, though it won’t caramelize the same way.

Equipment:

You’ll need a baking sheet, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. Parchment paper or foil is optional for easier cleanup.

How to make this delicious side dish:

Step 1: Slice sweet potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.

Sliced sweet potato rounds with remaining ingredients in the background.

Step 2: Arrange and season

Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a little oil. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the slices, then season with salt and cinnamon. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each slice — a little goes a long way.

Sweet potato slices on a baking sheet and seasoned, ready for the oven.

Step 3: Bake and broil

Bake on the top rack for about 20 minutes, until slices are tender and starting to brown. Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–3 minutes to caramelize the brown sugar — watch carefully so the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove from the oven and serve hot. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Yum!

Close up of roasted sweet potato slices with title text above them in Pin.

Variations

For babies: Omit the brown sugar — the natural sweetness is plenty. You can keep the cinnamon once babies are 6 months old.

Savory: Skip the sugar and cinnamon. Season with garlic powder, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. Add chili powder and black pepper for a spicy kick.

Cheesy: After baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the hot slices for a savory, cheesy finish.

FAQ

Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fryers work well, though many basket-style models don’t broil and may require batches. Reduce cook time to about 12–15 minutes, checking for tenderness.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes first?

No. Leaving the skin on saves time and adds texture. If someone dislikes the skin, it peels off easily after cooking.

Why is it hard to cut sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are denser than white potatoes. If your knife has trouble, microwave the potato for 1–2 minutes to soften it slightly before slicing.

More kid-approved recipes

Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Easy Crescent Sandwiches
Baked Feta Pasta

Enjoy!

Give these roasted sweet potato slices a try — they’re quick, flavorful, and easy to prepare. If you make them and enjoy the recipe, consider leaving a rating.

📖 Recipe

Photo of roasted sweet potato slices on a white plate.

Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Brown Sugar

Anne Aslanides

These roasted sweet potato slices cook faster than baking whole potatoes and get a sweet, caramelized finish from the brown sugar on top.

4.80 from 29 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8

Cook Time 22

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 195 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lb sweet potatoes
1.5 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse and slice potatoes into ½” rounds.
Spray or grease a baking sheet and arrange the slices in a single layer. Lightly drizzle oil over them, then sprinkle with salt and cinnamon and top with brown sugar.
Bake for 20 minutes on the top rack. Switch to broil and cook 1–3 minutes more to caramelize the sugar. Watch closely to avoid burning.

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Notes

Broil time varies by oven and how close your pan is to the broiler. For savory versions without sugar, broiling is optional.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Potassium: 580mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 11g
Vitamin A: 24132IU
Vitamin C: 4mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Use your preferred calculator for precise values with your exact ingredients.

Keyword Kid Friendly

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