Save to Pinterest The morning I discovered sweet potato toast was purely accidental. My toaster had died mid-week and I was staring at a sweet potato on the counter, wondering what would happen if I just sliced it thin and threw it in the oven. What emerged was something I never expected—these golden, slightly caramelized rounds that somehow felt more substantial than regular bread, with a natural sweetness that made everything taste better.
Last summer, my sister came to visit and I served these for brunch with an array of toppings spread across the counter. She stood there, avocado in one hand and hummus in the other, just staring at the platter. 'This changes everything,' she said, and she's right—something about the sweetness of the potato against salty toppings creates this perfect bite that regular toast just cannot deliver.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed: Look for ones that are relatively straight and even—curved ones are harder to slice into uniform rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil: This helps the edges get those irresistible crispy bits while keeping the inside tender
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness without making it taste savory
Instructions
- Preheat and slice:
- Heat your oven to 400°F and carefully slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick rounds—thinner slices will burn, thicker ones will not develop that toast-like texture
- Season and arrange:
- Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Roast to perfection:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until theyre fork-tender with golden brown edges
- Top and serve:
- Let them cool slightly so toppings do not slide off, then pile on whatever combination sounds good and eat them while still warm
Save to Pinterest My kids initially looked at me like I had lost my mind when I put sweet potato toast on the table, but now they request it weekly. There is something deeply satisfying about watching someone take that first uncertain bite, then immediately reach for seconds.
Savory Combinations That Work
The sweet and salty interplay here is magic. I have found that creamy toppings like cottage cheese or mashed avocado balance the sweet potato perfectly, while something sharp like feta or chili flakes cuts through the richness. Do not be afraid to go heavy on the fresh herbs—they make everything taste brighter and more alive.
Sweet Variations to Try
When my sweet tooth hits, I skip regular desserts entirely and go straight for peanut butter topped with sliced banana and a drizzle of honey. The warm potato underneath melts the peanut butter just enough, and somehow it feels indulgent without being overly heavy. Granola adds this perfect crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
Make-Ahead Wisdom
You can roast a big batch of sweet potato slices on Sunday and keep them in the fridge, though I will be honest—they are never quite as good as fresh. If you do this, pop them in the toaster for a minute to recrisp the edges before topping.
- Let roasted slices cool completely before storing in an airtight container
- They will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator
- Freeze extras for up to a month and reheat in a 350°F oven
Save to Pinterest Sometimes the simplest changes in the kitchen lead to the best discoveries, and sweet potato toast has become one of those staples I cannot imagine living without now.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How do you slice sweet potatoes for toast?
Cut sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices using a sharp knife. Uniform thickness ensures even roasting and consistent texture.
- → What are the best savory toppings?
Try avocado with cherry tomatoes, cottage cheese with fresh chives, hummus topped with crumbled feta and chili flakes, or sliced hard-boiled eggs with herbs.
- → Can I make sweet potato toast ahead of time?
Roast the sweet potato slices up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster or warm oven before adding toppings.
- → How do I get crispy sweet potato toast?
For extra crunch, finish the roasted slices in a toaster for 1-2 minutes after they come out of the oven. This creates a firmer base that holds toppings well.
- → What sweet toppings work best?
Peanut butter with sliced banana and granola creates a satisfying combination. Cottage cheese drizzled with honey and fresh fruit offers a lighter sweet option.
- → Is sweet potato toast gluten-free?
Yes, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making this an excellent alternative to bread-based toast. Always verify that your chosen toppings are also gluten-free.