Savory Sweet Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Crispy Prosciutto is a side dish that balances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the saltiness of prosciutto and the sharp, tangy depth of blue cheese.

You’ll love how simple it is to make roasted sweet potatoes part of an elegant dinner or a comforting weekend meal.

roast sweet potato dish with a circle highlight in the middle and background blurred

Roasting sweet potatoes—coating the potato cubes in oil and seasonings, then baking them until the edges are crispy—might be straightforward, but the outcome is anything but ordinary.

Garnish with crispy prosciutto (or bacon) and blue cheese and you’ve got gourmet made simple that goes with anything.

We love eating a wide range of vegetables, and sweet potatoes are a regular part of our menu. While regular and sweet potatoes share much in common nutritionally, sweet potatoes offer more fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.

Great tasting, and good for you! Especially if you skip the sugary toppings and go with savory instead.

sweet potato guide with different potatoes lined up with lables

Is it a Sweet Potato or a Yam?

In stores, you’ll find signs indicating Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Garnet Yams, Jewel Yams, etc., but the truth is they are ALL sweet potatoes.

Yams, which are larger and rougher looking, are native to Africa and Asia as well as other tropical regions and can be found in specialty markets. According to the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission, there are more than a hundred varieties of sweet potatoes ranging in color, sweetness, and texture.

The confusion is perpetuated by stores continuing to label sweet potatoes as both sweet potatoes and yams in an attempt to distinguish the varieties.

Ingredients for savory sweet potato recipe on a grey counter

Which Sweet Potato is Best for Roasting?

You can use any sweet potato for roasting. However, those less sweet and drier in texture will remain firm and brown more evenly when roasted. Sweet, moist varieties like Beauregard or Covington tend to burn at the tips or edges at higher roasting temperatures.

Our favorite sweet potato for roasting is the light tan, cream-colored sweet potato varieties like Jersey, Hannah, or O’Henry. Their texture is drier, and the flavor is less sweet, which makes them an ideal choice for baking, roasting, or pan-frying. This type of sweet potato will result in a more dense, chewy texture with crisp edges.

In this recipe, we opt for a mix of colors, textures, and nutrients with a combination of Jersey, Stokes Purple, and Red Garnet. All three of these varieties have a mild sweetness, with the Jersey and Stokes having a drier texture compared to the Garnet.

purple, red, and white roasted sweet potatoes on a pan

Tips for Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Select sweet potatoes with the texture and sweetness you most prefer.
Don’t peel the potatoes. Leaving the skins on will help them crisp and create a firmer texture. *Rinse and dry the potatoes before cutting.
Uniform pieces: Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread the pieces in a single layer with some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which might prevent them from getting crispy.
Top with savory garnishes that complement and balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

step by step photos for prepping sweet potatoes for roasting

Recipe STEP-BY-STEP

Heat oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse and dry the potatoes and cut them into cubes.
Toss sweet potatoes with oil until well coated, then sprinkle the herbs, crushed pepper, salt, and black pepper over potatoes and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange in a single layer on the lined baking sheet without crowding individual pieces so sweet potatoes brown evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and browned at the edges. (Check potatoes midway through and stir to promote even browning.)
Slice the prosciutto and cook in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until crisp (add oil as needed if the pan seems dry). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside until the potatoes are done.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a baking dish so that cubes form a one inch layer in the bottom of the dish and are very close together.
Sprinkle a layer of blue cheese over the potatoes and then a layer of crispy prosciutto. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the blue cheese begins to melt.

STEPS for prepping prosciutto for crisping in a pan

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I store raw sweet potatoes in the refrigerator?

No, store raw sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cellar; never in the refrigerator

2. How long do cooked sweet potatoes last in the refrigerator?

Roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Place any leftovers in a skillet over medium heat and stir until warmed or place in an air fryer at 300° for 5 minutes. I do not recommend microwaving as it can make them soggy.

4. Can I freeze roasted sweet potatoes?

Yes, roasted sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.

steps to finish a dish of roasted sweet potatoes and garnishes

Recipe TIPS & VARIATIONS

Add more chili flakes for a spicier flavor
Substitute any savory cheese for the blue cheese
Substitute bacon for the prosciutto
Store leftover cooked sweet potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Sprinkle leftover roasted sweet potatoes over a salad or create a quick Frittata
Add leftovers to tacos to stretch meat filling