Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Name: Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes, as they offer a delightful combination of spicy and sweet flavors that dance on my palate. The heat from the jerk seasoning, coupled with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creates a balance that’s irresistible. Preparing them is simple yet rewarding; the vibrant colors and rich aromas fill my kitchen and make every meal feel special. They’re perfect as a side dish or even as a light main course, and I find myself craving them often!

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:16:20.166Z

When I first tried Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes at a local festival, I was hooked immediately. I loved the combination of spices that brought such depth to this humble vegetable. After experimenting in my kitchen, I discovered that roasting at high heat helps to caramelize the sugars in the sweet potatoes, enhancing their flavor while the jerk spice mix adds that kick I crave.

One tip I’d love to share is to allow the sweet potatoes to marinate in the jerk seasoning for at least 15 minutes before roasting. This drastically improves the flavor, allowing the spices to penetrate the sweet flesh. The result is a dish that’s not just vibrant visually, but also a true explosion of flavors in every bite!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Perfectly balanced spices that elevate the sweet potatoes
Simple preparation that results in a flavorful dish
Versatile enough to serve as a side or main course

      

Unlocking the Flavors of Jerk Seasoning

Jamaican jerk seasoning is a vibrant blend that typically includes allspice, thyme, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers. Each of these ingredients contributes distinct flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. The allspice adds a warm, aromatic quality, while the scotch bonnet provides a kick that elevates the dish. If you prefer milder heat, consider substituting with a milder chili powder or omitting the jerk seasoning's spicier components altogether.

To make the most of the jerk seasoning, allow your sweet potatoes to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial because it not only enhances the flavor but also lets the olive oil and honey adhere to the sweet potatoes, leading to a beautifully caramelized exterior when roasted. I like to marinate them even longer when time permits, as this deepens the flavor even further.

Roasting Technique for Perfect Texture

Roasting at 425°F (220°C) is key to achieving that perfect caramelization on the sweet potatoes. Keep an eye on them during the roasting process; you want to see golden-brown edges form, indicating that the sugars are caramelizing beautifully. Flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through helps ensure even cooking and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the remainder of the cooking time.

The overall roasting time of about 30 minutes should yield sweet potatoes that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. For an added layer of flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on the sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting to enhance their sweet, spicy profile.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to prepare your Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Make sure to measure out your ingredients properly for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

Marinate the Cubes

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, Jamaican jerk seasoning, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss until all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Roast

Spread the marinated sweet potatoes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender, flipping halfway through.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Enjoy your beautifully roasted sweet potatoes!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice before serving. It cuts through the richness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These Jamaican Jerk Roasted Sweet Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, especially jerk chicken or fish. The spicy-sweet flavor profile complements spicy main dishes perfectly. Alternatively, serve them as a vibrant, standalone light meal, topped with avocado or a dollop of yogurt to balance the spice.

For a brunch twist, try adding a fried egg on top, creating a satisfyingly decadent dish. This combination of runny yolk and sweet potatoes creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite at my brunch table.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to make these sweet potatoes ahead of time, you can prep the sweet potatoes and marinate them a few hours earlier. Simply cover your marinated sweet potato cubes and refrigerate until you're ready to roast them. This not only saves time but allows even deeper flavors to develop.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture. If you find they need moisture, a light drizzle of olive oil can help revive their original flavor and crispiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but the cooking time may vary, and the flavor will be less sweet and distinct.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make the jerk seasoning from scratch?

Absolutely! You can make a homemade version with spices like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and scallions.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your jerk seasoning does not contain gluten.