Unbelievably Easy Sweet Potato Toast in 20 Minutes
Oh, sweet potato toast – my go-to breakfast hack when I want something hearty but don’t feel like dealing with bread. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” kind of recipes. Just slice, bake, and pile on your favorite toppings. I’ve been making this for years, ever since I realized my gluten-free friend was onto something genius. The best part? It’s so forgiving. Even if your slices aren’t perfect (mine never are), they still turn into these caramelized, slightly crispy little platforms for endless flavor combos. Plus, you’re getting a boost of vitamin A and fiber without even trying. My kids think they’re eating fancy restaurant food when I top theirs with almond butter and banana slices – little do they know it took me all of five minutes to throw together!
Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Toast
Let me tell you why this has become my breakfast obsession – and why you’ll be hooked too:
- Crazy quick: From cutting board to plate in under 30 minutes (most of that’s just oven time!)
- Packed with goodness: All the natural sweetness and vitamin A of sweet potatoes without any guilt
- No gluten drama: Perfect when you want toast but need to skip the bread
- Your canvas: Top it sweet or savory – I’ve tried everything from smashed avocado to ricotta and honey
- Forgiving: Even my lopsided slices turn out delicious (ask my kids – they’ve eaten plenty of my “rustic” cuts)
Seriously – it’s the easiest way to feel fancy while barely trying.
Sweet Potato Toast Ingredients
Here’s the beautiful thing about sweet potato toast – you only need three simple ingredients to make magic happen:
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 8 oz): Look for one that’s firm with smooth skin – those knobby ones are harder to slice evenly. I always give mine a good scrub too because we’re keeping the skin on for extra nutrients and texture!
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin): This is non-negotiable in my book. The good stuff helps the slices crisp up beautifully and adds that rich, fruity flavor. My grandma would roll over in her grave if I suggested using anything else.
- Pinch of salt (sea salt preferred): Just a tiny bit makes all the difference – it enhances the natural sweetness perfectly. I keep fancy Maldon salt flakes just for this recipe because I love that little crunch.
That’s it! Well, unless you count whatever glorious toppings you’re dreaming up – but we’ll get to those later.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Here’s what I always grab:
- A good baking sheet: Mine’s well-loved and slightly warped, but it gets the job done every time
- Sharp knife or mandoline: I use my trusty chef’s knife when I’m feeling lazy, but pull out the mandoline when I want those picture-perfect even slices
- Pastry brush: That $2 brush from the grocery store has lasted me years for oiling up these slices just right
See? Told you it was simple. Now let’s get baking!
How to Make Sweet Potato Toast
Alright, let’s turn these humble sweet potatoes into golden, toasty perfection! I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep, and I’ll walk you through every simple step. Trust me – it’s way easier than you think.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – crank that oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your sweet potato and give it a good scrub. I don’t peel mine because the skin adds nice texture and nutrients, but make sure to dry it well so your slices aren’t soggy.
Now for the slicing: aim for about 1/4-inch thick pieces. Too thin and they’ll burn; too thick and they won’t get that perfect toast texture. Pro tip: if you’ve got a mandoline, use it on the second-thickest setting for perfectly even slices every time. No mandoline? No problem – just take your time with a sharp knife. My first attempts looked like abstract art, but they still tasted amazing!
Step 2: Season and Bake
Here comes the fun part! Lay your slices on the baking sheet and brush both sides with that glorious olive oil. Don’t be shy – you want a nice thin coat on every surface. Then sprinkle just a pinch of salt over them. I like to do this while they’re on the sheet so I don’t make a mess everywhere (learned that the hard way!).
Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes total, but here’s the key – flip them halfway through! At about the 8-minute mark, I grab my trusty spatula and give each one a gentle turn. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start curling slightly and you see those beautiful caramelized spots forming.
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
Okay, the hardest part is over! Now comes the best part – loading them up with all your favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless (and we’ll dive deep into that next), but I always recommend letting them cool just a minute or two first so your toppings don’t slide right off. Unless you’re like me and can’t wait – no judgment either way!
Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Toast
Oh, the topping possibilities! This is where sweet potato toast really shines – it’s like a blank canvas for your breakfast dreams. Here are my absolute favorite ways to dress it up:
- Avocado smash: My weekday go-to – mashed avocado with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning (trust me on this one)
- Sweet treat: Almond butter with banana slices and a drizzle of honey – my kids call this “dessert toast” and beg for it
- Eggcellent: A perfectly fried egg with crispy edges, fresh herbs, and a dash of hot sauce – the yolk makes the best natural sauce
- Cheese please: Ricotta with fresh figs or berries and a whisper of cinnamon – fancy enough for weekend brunch guests
Mix and match to your heart’s content – I’ve even done hummus with roasted veggies when I’m feeling extra!
Sweet Potato Toast Variations
Listen – the beauty of sweet potato toast is how easily you can switch up the flavors! Here are my favorite twists that keep me from getting bored:
- Sweet cinnamon: Swap the salt for cinnamon before baking – tastes like dessert but counts as breakfast!
- Savory spice: Mix smoked paprika and garlic powder into the oil for a smoky kick that pairs perfectly with eggs
- Herb garden: Brush with garlic-infused oil and sprinkle rosemary before baking – so good with goat cheese
- Everything bagel: Skip the salt and use everything seasoning for that irresistible crunch we all love
Really, the only limit is your pantry – I’ve even done a drizzle of maple syrup mid-bake when I was feeling wild!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Let your sweet potato toast cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. Easy peasy!
Sweet Potato Toast FAQ
Got questions about sweet potato toast? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common ones I get from friends and family (and even a few I’ve asked myself along the way):
- Can I microwave sweet potato toast? You can, but I don’t recommend it. Microwaving makes it soft instead of crispy – and let’s be honest, the crunch is half the fun! If you’re in a rush, try toasting it instead.
- Is the skin edible? Absolutely! I always keep the skin on – it’s packed with nutrients and adds a nice texture. Just give it a good scrub first.
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Sure, but sweet potatoes are my favorite because of their natural sweetness and higher vitamin content. Regular potatoes work, but they’re more neutral in flavor.
- Why are my slices soggy? Too much oil or uneven slicing can cause this. Use a light hand with the oil and aim for consistent 1/4-inch slices.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Bake the slices, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. Just reheat in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to eat.
There you go – all your burning questions answered!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind, nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the size of your sweet potato and the brands of ingredients you use. Always check labels for the most accurate info!
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to see your sweet potato toast creations! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below – I’m always looking for new topping ideas to try. Your version might just become my new favorite!
PrintUnbelievably Easy Sweet Potato Toast in 20 Minutes
A simple and healthy alternative to traditional toast made with sweet potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the sweet potato into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for even slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
