If you’re searching for a snack or side that hits all the right notes—crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with a dip that’s bursting with flavor—you’ve got to try this Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip Recipe. It’s not just any fries; these sweet potatoes become perfectly crunchy thanks to a clever arrowroot coating, while the dip combines the nutty richness of tahini with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic and the tang of fresh lemon and yogurt. This dish is an absolute joy to make and even more satisfying to eat whether you’re feeding two or just craving a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but incredibly powerful in making sure every bite bursts with the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The fresh herbs and spices bring brightness and aroma, while the secret to crispiness lies in the arrowroot powder.
- 1 head of garlic: Roasting it softens the cloves, creating a naturally sweet and mellow base for the dip.
- Oil: Necessary for roasting the garlic and greasing the baking sheet, it helps build layers of flavor and texture.
- Generous ½ cup unsweetened non-dairy yogurt of choice: Provides creaminess and tang, balancing the richness of tahini and garlic in the dip.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a sharp, fresh acidity that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons tahini: This sesame seed paste brings a nutty, smooth depth to the dip that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 small handful chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor.
- 1 small handful chopped fresh mint: Adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm spices and garlic.
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste: To finish seasoning perfectly at the end.
- 2 small-medium sweet potatoes, peeled (about 750 grams total): The star of the show, sweet and naturally sweet with a vibrant orange hue.
- 2-3 tablespoons arrowroot powder: The magic ingredient that delivers a crispy coating without frying.
- Cayenne, cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, turmeric or any other SALT-FREE seasoning: Choose your favorites to flavor the fries without overpowering their sweetness.
- High heat-tolerant oil spray (I like avocado oil): For evenly coating the fries for perfect roasting.
- Fine sea salt, to taste: Sprinkled on at the end for a satisfying finish.
How to Make Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F, ensuring it’s hot enough to create that much-desired crispness. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper unless your pan is already well-seasoned and non-stick. This initial preparation sets the stage for perfectly roasted garlic and fries without any sticking mishaps.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Cut about a half inch off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with oil so it seeps into all the little crevices, then wrap it tightly in foil. Pop the garlic into the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. The cloves will turn wonderfully soft and golden, releasing their sweet and mellow flavor—this is the heart of your tahini yogurt dip.
Step 3: Make the Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip
While the garlic cools, take a small bowl and add your chosen non-dairy yogurt. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves into the yogurt. Add the lemon juice, tahini, chopped parsley, fresh mint, and season generously with salt and pepper. Use a fork to mash and stir everything until it becomes a smooth, flavorful dip. Refrigerate it to let all those flavors meld while you finish the fries.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Potato Fries
Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 3-inch long by half-inch thick fries. Place them in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least one hour or up to overnight. This soaking step washes away excess starch and is an essential trick for crispier fries.
Step 5: Dry and Season the Fries
Drain the sweet potatoes, then lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. Cover with another towel and roll them gently to squeeze out as much moisture as possible—dry potatoes mean crispier fries. Transfer them to a bowl and toss with arrowroot powder and your preferred salt-free spices. The arrowroot will create a lovely powdery coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spray your prepared baking sheet with oil, then arrange the coated sweet potatoes in single rows so they aren’t crowded. Spray the tops lightly with oil as well. Bake for 25 minutes until you see light browning and a delicate webbing form under the fries. Flip them carefully and return to the oven for another 25 minutes for that golden, crisp finish. If needed, flip once more and bake until they reach your personal crispiness goal.
Step 7: Salt and Serve
As soon as the fries are out of the oven, toss them with a generous pinch of sea salt. This final touch elevates their flavor. Plate them alongside your roasted garlic tahini yogurt dip and let the magic happen—after a few seconds, the fries develop an incredible, super-crispy texture that’s addictive.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or mint over the fries and dip adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish. A light dusting of smoked paprika or extra thyme can also amp up the flavor and give your presentation a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
These fries make a fantastic companion to grilled veggies, fresh salads, or even a rich, savory burger. Their natural sweetness and crunch pair especially well with tangy or spicy mains, making them versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party snack, serve these fries in individual mini cones or small parchment paper-lined baskets. Layer the dip in small bowls alongside or create a dip trio by adding other simple sauces like spicy harissa or green chutney to complement the garlic tahini yogurt dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the fries and dip separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the fries from getting soggy and preserves the dip’s fresh flavors for up to two days.
Freezing
While sweet potato fries are best fresh, you can freeze the raw, sliced fries after drying and coating them in arrowroot powder. Flash-freeze them laid out on a tray, and once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for a convenient future snack.
Reheating
To revive that splendid crispness after refrigeration, spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make fries soggy and limp.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of non-dairy yogurt for the dip?
Absolutely! Regular yogurt works wonderfully if you’re not avoiding dairy, lending the same creamy tang that complements the roasted garlic and tahini beautifully.
What if I don’t have arrowroot powder? Can I substitute something else?
You can try using cornstarch as an alternative, but arrowroot tends to yield a lighter, crispier texture. Just keep in mind that cornstarch may brown faster, so watch your baking times carefully.
How long should I soak the sweet potato fries in water?
At least one hour is perfect for removing excess starch, but you can soak them overnight in the fridge if that fits your schedule. The longer soak helps ensure crispiness after baking.
Can I prepare the dip in advance?
Yes, the roasted garlic tahini yogurt dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. The flavors will deepen and meld, making it even more delicious when served.
What are some other seasoning options for the fries?
Feel free to experiment with cinnamon for warmth, smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a savory twist. Just keep them salt-free initially, as salt goes on after baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about the Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip Recipe that makes it a standout favorite. The balance of textures and flavors creates a snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how easy it is to make a crowd-pleaser right from your own kitchen. Trust me, once you do, these fries will be a go-to treat you’ll want again and again.
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Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
Enjoy crispy baked sweet potato fries paired with a creamy roasted garlic tahini yogurt dip. This recipe features perfectly seasoned and oven-baked fries with a gluten-free arrowroot powder coating for optimum crispiness, complemented by a flavorful yogurt dip infused with roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and tangy lemon. A healthy and delicious snack or side that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic Tahini Yogurt Dip
- 1 head of garlic
- Oil (for drizzling and roasting garlic)
- ½ cup unsweetened non-dairy yogurt of choice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 small handful chopped fresh parsley
- 1 small handful chopped fresh mint
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 small-medium sweet potatoes, peeled (about 750 grams total)
- 2–3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- Cayenne, cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, turmeric, or any other salt-free seasoning of choice
- High heat-tolerant oil spray (such as avocado oil)
- Fine sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or use a well-seasoned baking sheet without parchment.
- Roast the Garlic: Cut off the top ½ inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Wrap it in foil with a drizzle of oil allowing the oil to seep into the cloves. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until the garlic becomes soft and golden. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dip: Once the garlic is cooled, squeeze the softened cloves into a small bowl with the yogurt. Add lemon juice, tahini, chopped parsley, chopped mint, sea salt, and black pepper. Mash and mix everything thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Cover and refrigerate the dip until serving.
- Prep Sweet Potatoes: Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into fries approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. Soak them in cold water for at least one hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator to remove excess starch.
- Dry the Fries: Drain the soaked fries and lay them on a clean kitchen towel. Top with a second towel and gently roll or massage the towels to absorb as much moisture as possible for crispiness.
- Coat Fries: In a large bowl, toss the fries with arrowroot powder and your choice of salt-free seasonings (such as cayenne, cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, turmeric), ensuring they have a light, even coating. Avoid adding salt at this stage.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Spray the lined baking sheet evenly with high heat-tolerant oil spray. Arrange the fries in a single layer in rows without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the fries lightly with oil spray as well.
- Bake First Side: Bake the fries in the oven for 25 minutes. Look for very light browning and a subtle webbing from the arrowroot on the undersides.
- Flip and Bake Second Side: Carefully flip all fries over and bake for another 25 minutes. The fries should start developing strong brown spots and crisp exteriors.
- Final Crisping: If the fries need more crispness, flip once more and continue baking until the desired crunch is achieved.
- Season Potatoes: Quickly transfer hot fries to a large bowl and toss with a generous pinch of fine sea salt while still warm.
- Serve: Arrange the fries in a single layer on your serving plate alongside the roasted garlic tahini yogurt dip. Let them sit a few seconds to reach optimum crispiness before enjoying.
Notes
- Soaking fries in water removes starch and helps achieve crispiness.
- Use arrowroot powder or cornstarch as a gluten-free coating to enhance crisp texture.
- High heat-tolerant oil spray like avocado oil prevents fries from sticking and promotes browning.
- Season fries with salt only after baking to avoid drawing out moisture prematurely.
- Roasting whole garlic mellows its flavor and adds depth to the dip.
- For best results, do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free when using non-dairy yogurt.
