Chili-Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

I love sweet potato fries. I've been making them for awhile and each time I do, we enjoy them as much as we did the first time. I make plain sweet potato fries often, but I like this sweet and spicy (not hot, just flavorful) version to liven things up on occasion. These healthier, baked fries are a great side dish with almost anything. 
     The sugar helps the fries to caramelize in the oven. The chili powder adds a little smoky flavor and the salt keep you coming back for more. 
    If you preheat the baking sheet before you place the sweet potato wedges on it they will sizzle and crisp up around the edges. Don't expect these to be like the fries that you might get at a fast-food chain, they are much softer, tastier and better for you.


Chili-Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
2-3 sweet potatoes, washed, unpeeled and cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon (garlic powder or cumin), optional
1 teaspoon kosher salt
fresh pepper


Preheat oven to 400º. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven while the oven preheats and the potatoes are being prepared; about 10 minutes. Combine sugar, chili powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil and spice mixture. 


Carefully, remove the baking sheet  from the oven and place the potato wedges on a rimmed sheet pan and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping half-way through; until the potatoes are tender and well-browned.


Serve plain or with dipping sauce of your choice.