Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a complicated meal. That’s where these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream come to the rescue! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy sweet potato fry, seasoned with smoky cumin and chile powder, with just the right kick of heat – then dipping it into a cool, tangy sour cream sauce that’s bursting with fresh cilantro and a hint of lime. This easy homemade Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream recipe transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of Southwestern flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to New Mexico.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for unexpected guests or a healthier side dish to accompany your weeknight dinner, these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the warming spices, while the creamy dip cools everything down with a bright, herby finish.

Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

• ✅ These baked Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream are healthier than deep-fried versions but just as satisfying
• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – making homemade Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream is faster than ordering takeout
• ✅ The spicy Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream offer the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors
• ✅ Easily customize the heat level of your Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream to suit your family’s preferences
• ✅ This crispy baked Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream recipe uses common pantry spices – no special shopping trip needed
• ✅ The chili-cilantro sour cream dip elevates these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream from simple side dish to impressive appetizer

Ingredients for Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut in large matchsticks/batons approx. 1/4″ x 2″
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works beautifully too)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste (reduce for less heat)

For the Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream:

• 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works as a healthier alternative)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 heaping tablespoon chopped cilantro (substitute with parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan)

How to Make Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream – Step by Step

Preparing the Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into even matchsticks, about 1/4 inch thick and 2 inches long. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil until they’re evenly coated. This helps them crisp up in the oven.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, cumin, chile powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne to create your Southwestern spice blend.

Step 5: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled sweet potato fries and toss until they’re evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 6: Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap. This is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness!

Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Making the Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

Step 1: While the fries are baking, combine all the dip ingredients in a medium bowl: sour cream, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.

Step 2: Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 3: Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve with your hot fries.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

• For extra crispy fries: Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward.
• Spacing matters: Don’t crowd the baking sheet! Give each fry plenty of room so they can crisp up instead of steam.
• Even cutting: Try to cut your fries as uniformly as possible so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline can help with this if you have one.
• Make ahead option: Prepare the chili-cilantro sour cream up to 24 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
• Heat customization: The 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne provides a moderate kick. For milder Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon or omit entirely. For spice lovers, increase to 3/4 teaspoon.
• Vegan alternative: For a plant-based version of the chili-cilantro sauce, substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream with a squeeze of extra lime juice.

Best Ways to Serve Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

These versatile Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream are perfect for many occasions:

• Serve as an appetizer at your next game day gathering or potluck
• Pair with grilled burgers or sandwiches for a complete meal
• Add them to a Southwestern-themed meal alongside black bean enchiladas or fish tacos
• Create a casual snack board with these fries as the star, accompanied by other dips and fresh vegetables

For a complete meal, these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream go beautifully with grilled chicken, black bean burgers, or even a fresh green salad with avocado.

Nutritional Information for Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream

Per Serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 245 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 1310mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

These Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream offer significant nutritional benefits compared to traditional fries, including higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.

Storage & Leftovers

While these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at their crispiest, here’s how to handle any leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The chili-cilantro sour cream can be refrigerated separately for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To revive the crispiness, reheat the fries in an oven or toaster oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy.
• Freezing: The uncooked, seasoned sweet potato fries can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I bake Southwestern spiced sweet potato fries?

For perfectly crispy Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream, bake them at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and how thickly you’ve cut the fries. They’re done when the edges are browned and crispy.

Can I make sweet potato fries in an air fryer?

Absolutely! To make Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream in an air fryer, prepare them as instructed, then air fry at 380°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method often results in extra crispy fries with less oil.

What ingredients are needed for chili-cilantro sour cream?

The chili-cilantro sour cream for these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream requires sour cream, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro. All these ingredients work together to create a cooling dip with a hint of heat and brightness that perfectly complements the spicy fries.

What are some variations of sweet potato fries?

While this Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream recipe uses a smoky, spicy seasoning blend, you can vary the flavor profile with different spice combinations. Try cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet version, rosemary and garlic for an herbal twist, or curry powder for an Indian-inspired variation. Each spice blend pairs well with different dips!

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple yet irresistible recipe for Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried potatoes without sacrificing any flavor. The cooling chili-cilantro sour cream provides the ideal complement to the warm spices, creating a taste experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re serving these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream as a party appetizer, a side dish, or even the star of a casual dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress. The best part? They’re easy enough for weeknight cooking but special enough for entertaining.

Have you tried making Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream before? What’s your favorite way to season sweet potato fries? Share your experiences and variations in the comments below!

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