How to Make the Perfect Sweet Potato Sticks
American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
These soft baked sweet potato sticks are perfect for baby led weaning and make a nutritious first finger food for babies 6 months and up. Parents love this kid friendly recipe because it is easy to prepare and packed with vitamins A and C.
Why this recipe works
This Sweet Potato Sticks recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 80 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick sticks about the length of an adult finger so baby can grip them easily.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Toss the sweet potato sticks in olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Lay them in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake Until Soft
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes flipping halfway through until the sticks are very soft when pierced with a fork. They should be tender all the way through with no hard center.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the sticks to cool completely before serving to baby. They should be soft enough to squish easily between your fingers before offering to your little one.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sweet potato → butternut squash cut into sticks
- olive oil → coconut oil melted
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting sticks too thin so they become too mushy and fall apart in baby hands
- Not letting them cool long enough which can cause burns to baby mouth and gums
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 80 calories, 2g protein, 18g carbs, 1g fat, 3g fiber.
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