Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbons

Sweet potatoes are among our favorites in the category of versatile vegetables. From sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving to a crispy batch of air-fryer sweet potato fries, they’re the spud that keeps on giving in the delicious department. Sweet potato ribbons are our latest obsession, and we know they’re going to be a hit in your household too.

Our version is inspired by the original recipe that went viral on social media. Begin by using a vegetable peeler to cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin ribbons that are then arranged in a thin layer on a sheet pan and roasted in the oven with a ramekin of butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Once tender and crisp on the edges, the ribbons are bathed in the melted garlic butter (although any flavored butter would probably taste heavenly) and finished with a flourish of fresh herbs.

These sweet potato ribbons are a warm, sweet, aromatic and satisfying combination of contrasting textures that can be paired with just about any of your family’s favorite main courses. We can see why they’re the latest viral recipe to take over the internet.

Ingredients for Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbons

• Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes—particularly the sweet potato skins—are a nutritious vegetable to keep in your family’s regular rotation. They’re jam-packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
• Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps crisp the potatoes slightly as they roast in the oven.
• Butter: A generous pour of melted butter gives the sweet potato ribbons an irresistibly rich flavor.
• Garlic: Garlic isn’t just for traditional mashed potatoes; it pairs well with sweet potatoes too.
• Spices: A simple blend of salt, pepper and paprika perfectly seasons the potatoes, adding a subtle smokiness and mild zip.
• Herbs: A trio of fresh parsley, thyme and rosemary makes the sweet potatoes smell and taste truly divine.

How to Make Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbons

Step 1: Peel the potatoes into ribbons

Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment. Use a vegetable peeler to cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin ribbons.

Step 2: Season with spices

Spread the mixture into an even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Then, drizzle with olive oil and season with paprika and half the salt and pepper.

Editor’s Tip: For the best texture, use a large sheet pan so you can spread the potatoes into a thin layer. A thick layer of crowded ribbons will result in softer potatoes that steam rather than crisp in the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter

In a small oven-safe dish or ramekin, combine the butter, garlic, and remaining salt and pepper.

Nestle the dish into the center of the sheet pan surrounded by the sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Roast, drizzle and serve with herbs

Roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Mix the fresh minced parsley, thyme and rosemary into the melted garlic butter, then carefully drizzle it over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss to coat, then serve.

Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbon Variations

• Add other herbs and spices: Try adding chili powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a bit of earthy smokiness or spice. Freshly chopped sage would be an excellent addition to this sweet potato recipe as well.
• Candy the sweet potato ribbons: If you like your sweet potatoes, well, sweet, here’s how to make this recipe have a similar taste to glazed sweet potatoes: Add the sweet potato ribbons to a bowl and then toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roast as directed on a sheet pan until tender. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of butter on the stovetop in a small saucepan and stir in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Drizzle the mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat just before serving. Garnish with finely chopped pecans, if desired.

How to Store Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbons

Extra sweet potato ribbons should be refrigerated in an airtight food storage container. Enjoy within three or four days. To reheat, warm at 350° on a parchment-lined sheet pan until hot and crisp on the edges. You can also microwave the leftovers, but know that the potatoes will lose their crispy edges.

Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbon Tips

How do you make crispy sweet potato ribbons?

For the crispiest sweet potato ribbons, make sure your oven is preheated to the proper temperature and use the recommended amount of oil for cooking. Using too much oil or roasting at too low a temperature will prevent the sweet potatoes from developing the coveted crispy edges.

Can you prepare sweet potato ribbons in an air fryer?

If you’d like to experiment, you can also try this recipe using an air fryer. To do so, preheat the air fryer to 360° and air-fry the ribbons in several batches for 15 to 20 minutes each, just as we do in our recipe for air-fryer sweet potato chips.

If you go this route, prepare the garlic butter on the stovetop, gently cooking the garlic in the butter over low heat. Add the spices and herbs to the garlic butter and drizzle over the ribbons just before serving.

What can you serve with sheet-pan sweet potato ribbons?

Sheet-pan sweet potato ribbons pair great with a wide range of family-favorite main dishes. A roasted spatchcock chicken, a platter of juicy grilled pork chops or a glazed ham would all pair fantastically with this recipe. You could also serve sweet potato ribbons on Thanksgiving alongside a traditional roast turkey and all your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.