These miso glazed melting sweet potatoes are amazing! They’re sweet, creamy, and have a tasty miso glaze that makes them even better. Your taste buds will thank you!
I love how easy they are to make. Just bake, brush on the glaze, and let the oven do the magic. They always disappear quickly at dinner—it’s like magic beans for your plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! Look for large, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash for a similar texture and sweetness.
Miso Paste: White or yellow miso gives a milder flavor. If you’re looking for substitutes, tahini or almond butter can work in a pinch, but will alter the taste a bit. Just remember, miso is fermented and that unique flavor might be hard to replicate!
Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness and balances the savoriness. If you need a substitute, honey works well, or agave syrup for a vegan option. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference!
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami punch. You can swap it with tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Unsalted Butter vs. Olive Oil: I recommend unsalted butter for a rich taste, but if you’re vegan or dairy-free, go with more olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Either way, you’ll get great flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
Cooking sweet potatoes to the right texture is key! Here’s how to ensure they melt in your mouth:
- First, slice the sweet potatoes evenly into 1-inch thick rounds. This helps them cook evenly. Don’t rush this step!
- When arranging them in the baking dish, make sure they’re in a single layer. This helps them roast nicely rather than steam into mush.
- Covering the dish with aluminum foil initially traps steam, making them tender. It’s important to keep the foil on for the first part of baking.
- After 30 minutes, uncover the dish and brush on the remaining glaze. This gives them that nice caramelized top.
- Keep an eye on them during the last 15-20 minutes; the exact timing can vary based on your oven.
Letting them sit a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to settle. Enjoy the sweet, savory goodness!
How to Make Miso Glazed Melting Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Miso Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons miso paste (preferably white or yellow)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Sea salt, for garnish
- Water, as needed (for baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time slicing sweet potatoes and mixing the glaze, then let the oven do the work. Perfect for a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your sweet potatoes when you’re done prepping!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. This is a fun step! After that, cut them into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick. This size will help them cook evenly and melt perfectly.
3. Make the Miso Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, melted butter, and olive oil. Whisk them together until you have a smooth mixture. This glaze is where the flavor magic happens!
4. Arrange the Sweet Potatoes:
Take a baking dish and arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much. Drizzle half of the miso glaze all over the sweet potatoes, these will soak up all that deliciousness!
5. Add Water for Steaming:
Pour enough water into the baking dish, about 1/4 inch deep, to help the sweet potatoes cook and create some lovely steam. This keeps them meltingly tender!
6. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. This will start softening the sweet potatoes beautifully.
7. Add More Glaze:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!). Take the remaining miso glaze and brush it on top of the sweet potatoes for that extra flavor kick.
8. Bake Uncovered:
Now, put the dish back in the oven without the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to become tender and caramelized on top—they’ll look so inviting!
9. Finish Up:
Once they’re cooked, take the sweet potatoes out of the oven and let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This is the perfect time to sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that lovely contrast.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, miso glazed melting sweet potatoes as a delicious side dish. Enjoy the rich flavors of the miso glaze combined with the sweet and tender potatoes. Bon appétit!
Can I Substitute the Miso Paste?
Absolutely! If you don’t have miso paste on hand, you can use tahini or peanut butter for a different flavor profile, although the taste will be less savory. For a lighter option, you can mix in some hummus for a creamy consistency. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the final taste slightly!
How Can I Make This Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Additionally, check that the miso paste is vegan, as some varieties may contain small amounts of fish or animal products.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or pop them back in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get them warmed through and a bit crispy again.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Definitely! Other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or even butternut squash can work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different vegetables have varying baking times. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
