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This step-by-step guide will teach you how to cut sweet potatoes into cubes, rounds, and fries. With their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits, sweet potatoes make the perfect addition to all kinds of recipes, from fries to brownies!
save this recipe!Sweet potatoes are a versatile root vegetable known for their sweet flavor and vibrant flesh. Most people are familiar with the orange variety, but there are over 100 common types of sweet potatoes, including different combinations of purple, white, and orange.
They are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for side dishes, salads, and even baked goods! Whether you’re roasting them, adding them to soups, or making fries, knowing how to cut sweet potatoes properly will make your life in the kitchen so much easier.
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes
Despite their tough exterior, cutting raw sweet potatoes is straightforward once you get the basics down pat. It’s important to always use a sharp knife, which will prevent the knife from slipping while cutting. It’s also useful to put a damp cloth under your cutting board to prevent it from sliding. Here’s how to cut sweet potatoes into cubes, rounds, and fries.
Wash & Peel
First, you’ll need to clean the sweet potatoes. Thoroughly wash them under cold running water to remove any dirt and debris. Using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, peel the skin off the sweet potatoes. The skin is edible, so this step is optional, depending on your recipe needs!
Fries
Cut a thin strip off the sweet potato lengthwise to create a flat surface. Lay the sweet potato on the flat side of the potato. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice it into even slabs of your preferred thickness.
Cut the slabs into strips to create fries. Adjust the thickness based on your preference. Remember to keep your fingers well away from the blade as you’re cutting.
Cubes
To make sweet potato cubes, follow the same initial steps as fries, cutting them into slabs and strips. Stack the slabs and cut them crosswise into uniform cubes. Adjust the size, making smaller or larger cubes according to what your recipe needs.
Rounds
After washing, trim the ends off of the sweet potato. Place the sweet potato on a stable cutting board and cut it into rounds of your preferred thickness. Try to keep the slices even for consistent cooking.
Tips for Cutting Sweet Potatoes
- Use a Sharp Knife: Always use a sharp chef’s knife (or even a cleaver knife) for clean cuts. A sharp knife also reduces the risk of kitchen accidents!
- Finger Safety: Tuck your fingers in and keep your cutting board stable on a damp paper towel to avoid mishaps, especially since sweet potatoes can be tough and slippery once peeled.
- Create a Flat Surface: Before peeling, I strongly suggest cutting a small slice off one end of the sweet potato to create a flat, stable surface. This really helps prevent the vegetable from rolling while you cut.
- Peeling Technique: Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin. Start from the top and peel downward, rotating the sweet potato as you go for an even peel.
- Make Consistent Cuts: Do your best to cut the sweet potatoes into evenly thick cubes, slices, or fries so they cook at the same rate, preventing undercooked and burnt pieces.
How to Pick a Sweet Potato
- Size: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes. This size tends to be the most flavorful and is the easiest to cut.
- Skin: Choose sweet potatoes with relatively smooth, firm skin without wrinkles or blemishes.
- Weight: A good sweet potato should feel heavy for its size, indicating a fresh, moist interior.
- Firmness: The sweet potato should be very firm, with no soft spots. Soft spots can indicate that it’s past its prime.
Storing Cut Sweet Potatoes
Whether you’re cutting your sweet potatoes for meal prep or just have leftovers, transfer the cut pieces to an airtight container. You can also add a damp paper towel to the inside of the container to preserve their freshness and moistness.
Store the container in your crisper drawer for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is also an option, but it’s best to blanch the potatoes first to preserve their texture. They’ll last at least 6 months this way.
How to Use Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite veggies since I can incorporate them into sweet and savory dishes! Here are a few sweet potato recipes to give you some inspiration:
How To Make Sweet Potato Gnocchi
1 hour 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Oatmeal
6 hours 5 minutes
Flourless Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
1 hour 25 minutes
How To Cut Sweet Potatoes (Fries, Cubes, and Rounds)
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato
Instructions
Wash & Peel
- Thoroughly wash the sweet potato under cold running water to remove any dirt. Using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, peel the skin off the sweet potatoes. The skin is edible, so this step is optional, depending on your recipe needs.
Fries
- Cut a thin strip off the sweet potato lengthwise to create a flat surface. Lay the sweet potato on the flat side. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice it into even slabs of your preferred thickness.
- Cut the slabs into strips to create fries. Adjust the thickness based on your preference. Remember to keep your fingers well away from the blade as you’re cutting.
Cubes
- To make sweet potato cubes, follow the same initial steps as fries, cutting them into slabs and strips. Stack the slabs and cut them crosswise into uniform cubes. Adjust the size according to your recipe needs.
Rounds
- After washing, trim the ends off of the sweet potato. Place the sweet potato on a stable cutting board and cut it into rounds of your preferred thickness. Try to keep the slices even for consistent cooking.
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