Save Last winter, I stood in my kitchen staring at a bag of sweet potatoes, exhausted by my usual breakfast routine. Something about slicing them into rounds instead of cubes felt rebellious, almost playful. When they emerged from the oven with those caramelized edges, I knew I'd stumbled onto something that would change my mornings forever. Now my toaster sits gathering dust while these golden slabs take center stage.
My sister visited last month and raised an eyebrow when I handed her sweet potato for breakfast instead of bread. Five minutes later, she was texting me the grocery list she needed to recreate it at home. There's something satisfying about turning a humble vegetable into something that feels fancy enough for weekend brunch but simple enough for Tuesday mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes: Look for ones that feel heavy and have smooth skin, they slice more cleanly and hold their shape better
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Coconut oil works beautifully too and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the toppings
- Pinch of salt: Everything tastes better with a little seasoning, even sweet preparations
- Toppings of choice: The real magic happens here, so keep your favorites stocked and ready to go
Instructions
- Preheat and prep your canvas:
- Crank your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later
- Slice with confidence:
- Cut your sweet potatoes lengthwise into planks about 1/4 inch thick, keeping them as uniform as possible
- Give them a glow:
- Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and sprinkle just enough salt to enhance their natural sweetness
- Let the oven work its magic:
- Arrange in a single layer and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once when the bottoms start to brown
- The assembly moment:
- Let them cool briefly until you can handle them, then pile on your chosen toppings while still warm
Save My three year old helped me top these last weekend, carefully placing each cherry tomato half like she was arranging precious jewels. Seeing her so excited about vegetables for breakfast made all those years of picky eating feel like a distant memory. Now she requests sweet potato toast by name and invents her own topping combinations.
The Sweet Route
Mornings beg for something comforting and sweet without the sugar crash that follows pastries. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato pairs perfectly with creamy nut butters and fresh fruit. I love how the warmth slightly melts the peanut butter while the banana stays cool and refreshing.
The Savory Path
Sometimes breakfast needs to feel substantial enough to power you through a busy morning. The earthiness of sweet potato provides the perfect backdrop for sharp cheeses, herbs, and protein rich toppings. My favorite combination combines everything bagel seasoning with cottage cheese and sliced radishes for crunch.
Make Ahead Magic
The beauty of this recipe lies in how well it adapts to meal prep routines. Roast a big batch on Sunday and store them in the refrigerator, then just rebriefly warm and top throughout the week. They actually develop slightly deeper flavor after a day or two in the fridge.
- Store roasted slices between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or use your toaster for crispy edges
- Keep prepped toppings in separate containers for instant assembly
Save Theres something deeply satisfying about eating vegetables for breakfast and actually looking forward to it. These sweet potato toasts have become the canvas for whatever my morning cravings dictate, and I hope they bring that same flexibility to your kitchen too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I slice sweet potatoes for toasting?
Cut sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices using a sharp knife. Keep slices uniform for even roasting and consistent texture.
- → Can I make sweet potato toast ahead of time?
Roast the slices in advance and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven before adding your favorite toppings.
- → What toppings work best on sweet potato toast?
Savory options include mashed avocado, cottage cheese with herbs, hummus with feta, or sliced hard-boiled eggs. Sweet combinations feature peanut butter with banana or honey with granola.
- → How do I get crispy sweet potato toast?
Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crunch, finish slices in a toaster for 1-2 minutes after roasting.
- → Is sweet potato toast gluten-free?
Yes, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free. All toppings should be checked individually if you have severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- → Can I use other vegetables for toast?
Butternut squash, large carrots, and eggplant work well using the same roasting method. Adjust cooking time based on vegetable density.