by Loaded Sweet Potato Fries is the ultimate family-style meal! Baked sweet potato fries piled high with veggie-packed chili, grated cheese, and any extra toppings you love - perfect for sharing!
We're big fans of sweet potatoes around here-they're so versatile and perfect for family meals, sides, or snacks. If you're looking for new ways to enjoy them, be sure to check out our sweet potato wedges, sweet potato crackers, sweet potato and chickpea curry, sweet potato noodles, and sweet potato brownies.
These loaded sweet potato fries are another favourite-baked until crispy and piled high with tasty toppings like chili and guacamole.
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Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Healthier: Baked fries topped with veggie-rich chili, guacamole, cheese, and other chopped veggies for added protein, healthy fats, and nutrients.
- Adaptable: Let your kids design their own loaded fries with their favourite toppings-great for pickier eaters.
- Prep Ahead: The chili can be made in advance or is a great way to use up leftover chili, making this a quick and easy option for busy nights.
Ingredient Information (With Alternative Suggestions)
- Sweet Potatoes: You can use orange sweet potatoes or white.
- Olive Oil: For coating the fries before baking. Feel free to use your preferred oil.
- Corn Starch: Helps create a crispier coating.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavour to the fries. Skip it or swap for your favourite seasoning.
Topping Suggestions
- Cooked Chili: Try this hidden veg beef chili or vegetarian bean chili for a vegetarian option.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar cheese for a delicious, rich flavour.
- Avocado: Use this guacamole recipe or simply dice / mash an avocado.
- Red onion or green onions
- Tomato
- Sour cream or plain yogurt
- Fresh cilantro (coriander),
- Jalapeno
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Hot sauce
Step-By-Step Instructions (With Images)
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fry-shaped pieces, about ¼″ (½ cm) wide and thick. Aim for similar sizes for even cooking
- Spread the fries across 2 lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with cornstarch and smoked paprika, toss to coat. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again. Bake.
- As the fries bake, heat up chili, grate cheese, make guacamole or chop avocado, and prepare onions, tomatoes, and lime wedges (or toppings of choice).
- Top the fries with cheese, chili, and more cheese, followed by the remaining toppings. Or, serve fries separately so everyone can build their own.
Top Tips
- Prep Ahead: The chili can be made up to 3 days in advance. I often make a big batch for dinner, then use the leftovers to prepare this dish the next day - perfect for saving time!
- Skip pre-shredded cheese and grate your own. Bagged shredded cheese often contains preservatives and anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting as well and just doesn't taste the same.
- Kid-Friendly Serving Idea: Let your kids build their own loaded fries! Serve the fries on individual plates or a large platter with toppings on the side. This interactive approach can be great for encouraging picky eaters to try new flavors.
- Extra Crispy Fries: For crispier fries, avoid overcrowding by spreading over two trays. Spacing them out helps them roast rather than steam.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your loaded sweet potato fries as soon as they're assembled. The fries can soften as they sit under the chili, so serving right away ensures they stay crisp and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, this recipe can be served to babies 6 months and older once they are established with solid foods. If you use my linked mild chili recipe, it's designed with little ones in mind - packed with veggies and mild in spice.
Here are a few tips to make the dish baby-friendly:
Cheese: Skip it or use only a small amount to keep sodium levels low.
Salt: Avoid adding salt to the sweet potato fries, chili, or toppings. Read more about salt for babies.
Toppings: Ensure any toppings are chopped into soft, baby-safe pieces.
Below is a photo of my little foodie happily enjoying these fries as a baby!
For informational purposes only-each baby develops at their own pace. Make informed decisions for your child and consult a professional for personalised advice.
More Veggie Fries
Full Recipe
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Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries
- 1 kg / 2.2lb sweet potatoes (approx. 3 medium/large or 2 large)
- 3 teaspoons corn starch (cornflour)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Suggested Toppings
- 2 cups (480g) chili (cooked) (see below for recipe links including vegetarian link)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 avocado chopped (or guacamole)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fry-shaped pieces about ½ cm ( ¼ inch) wide and thick. Aim for similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Divide the uncooked fries evenly between the two baking sheets.
- Sprinkle each pan of fries with 1½ teaspoons cornstarch and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Toss until evenly coated. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over each pan and toss again until all fries are coated, with no powdery spots remaining.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and rearrange them in even layers. Move any particularly browned fries toward the middle of the pan to prevent burning. Swap the baking sheets' positions (top pan to the lower rack and vice versa).
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from crisp to burnt.
- While the fries bake, heat the chili, grate the cheese, and chop the tomatoes, onion, and avocado (or make guacamole).
- Either create one large sharing tray or serve individual portions for everyone to build their own. Start with adding the cheese, then chili, a little more cheese, and finish with your chosen toppings. Serve immediately.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutritional facts
Tn
Fyi Chili only has one L unless it ends with a Y and means "cold temp"...
Amy
I guess it depends on where you are from. In some parts of the world, like the UK (where I am from), it is chilli. It still tastes amazing with one or two ls!
Trista
I have switched the majority of our potato intake to using sweet potatoes and I love sweet potato fries! But never did I think to put chili on them (which I too make from scratch) I am so trying this.
Amy
I never used to care for sweet potatoes but as my boys LOVE them I have been eating them tons recently and now I love them too! You will def love this recipe - its a good one!
Michelle
Finally, a health way to eat fries!
Amy
Thanks for stopping by Michelle 🙂
chantelle hazelden
oh my god these were delicious, I'll try making the veggie chili next time.
Amy
Thanks Chantelle 🙂 Enjoy x