Garlic & Sage Sweet Potato Fries That Will Shine at Your Holiday Table

Creating your holiday menu can be a balancing act between tradition and innovation. While some of us cling to classic dishes like green bean casserole, others love to introduce fresh flavors. Personally, I enjoy a mix of both—keeping some staples while experimenting with new recipes, especially during the festive month of December.

One of the most enjoyable evenings of the season is our annual dinner party with dear friends. I prepare a grand feast each year, featuring a different theme. In the past, we've enjoyed savory braised pork tacos, beef short ribs, and delightful pasta dishes. This year, I'm leaning towards serving these Crispy Garlic and Sage Sweet Potato Fries as a side—effortless to make yet incredibly rewarding.

Here's the deal: we're transforming a sheet pan of crispy baked sweet potato fries with a garlic and parmesan topping that turns crunchy in the oven. Top it off with crispy fried sage leaves for that cozy winter vibe and serve it with a rich garlicky aioli for dipping. Let's dive in!

Effortless Crunch: The Key to These Garlic Sweet Potato Fries

If you've tried various methods to achieve crispy baked sweet potatoes but fell short, you're not alone. That's why I recommend grabbing a bag of sweet potato fries from the freezer section. Made from quality sweet potatoes and lightly seasoned with sea salt, they're a game-changer. Plus, they eliminate the hassle of:

• No peeling
• No chopping
• No soaking

Crispy fries without frying can be challenging, often requiring tedious steps like soaking and dredging. It's the holiday season—keep it straightforward!

Flavor Enhancers for Perfect Fries

Don't think I'll just bake a bag of sweet potato fries and call it good (though they're tasty on their own). To elevate them for a festive gathering, I add a few standout ingredients.

Garlic

Specifically, 4 cloves minced and combined with melted butter to infuse incredible flavor throughout.

Parmesan

Adding grated parmesan during the last five minutes of baking creates a melty, crunchy topping—an absolute must.

Sage

Fried sage brings an earthy sweetness that's perfect for this season. Plus, the aroma fills your kitchen with warmth.

Steps to Create Crispy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries

Bake Your Fries

Start by baking your sweet potato fries to perfection. They're pre-fried before freezing, making them nearly ready to eat. Spread them on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 18 minutes at 450 degrees.

Add Seasonings

They'll be nearly crispy but need a little more time. Take them out, toss them with the garlic butter, and sprinkle on the parmesan. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes.

Fry Your Sage

While the fries bake, fry your sage. It's simpler than you think! Just coat the skillet with olive oil, heat it, and add the sage leaves in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy, then drain on a paper towel.

Combine and Serve

Your sweet potato fries should be done! Arrange them on a serving platter, top with the fried sage and a sprinkle of flaky salt, and enjoy.

Let's Discuss the Garlic Aioli

You'll want to pair your fries with this simple yet irresistible garlic aioli. Just mix mayo, dijon, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, and chill until serving. It's also fantastic with crudités, steamed artichokes, and more.

Pairing Ideas for Your Garlic Sweet Potato Fries

Wondering what to serve alongside your sweet potato fries? Here are some suggestions:

For a Snack Spread

Think beyond the cheese board for appetizers this holiday season. Let these fries shine as the centerpiece of a snack spread for a casual get-together. Pair them with marinated olives, a smoky eggplant dip, white bean and radicchio salad, or even a butter board with toasted baguette slices.

As a Side Dish for Holiday Meals

Some of my favorite mains to serve with these fries include hot honey-glazed salmon, a perfectly cooked grilled steak, or lemony sheet pan chicken with artichokes. And of course, who can resist a good burger?

Check out the recipe below, and if you try these Crispy Garlic and Sage Sweet Potato Fries, we'd love to see your creations—leave a rating or comment!

Description

These incredibly crispy garlic sweet potato fries are not only tasty but also easy to make thanks to a clever shortcut.

Ingredients

• 1 bag sweet potato fries
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons butter
• block of parmesan
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil
• 1 small bunch fresh sage, stems removed

For the garlic aioli:

• 1/4 cup mayo
• 2 teaspoons dijon
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Mix aioli ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 450 F. Spread fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 18 minutes until nearly done.
3. In a small saucepan, melt garlic with butter. Remove from heat.
4. Toss fries in garlic butter, then sprinkle fresh parmesan on top. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until crispy.
5. Fry sage leaves in olive oil until crispy, about 1-2 minutes, then drain.
6. Remove fries from oven, transfer to a platter, top with fried sage and a pinch of flaky salt. Optionally, add more parmesan.
7. Serve with garlic aioli and ketchup. Enjoy!