Sweet Potato Orange Hash

There's something about the smell of roasting sweet potatoes that makes a Tuesday morning feel like a weekend celebration. I discovered this sheet pan hash on a lazy Saturday when my kitchen was full of people—friends who'd stayed over, circling the oven like it was a campfire, waiting for breakfast. The oranges were supposed to be dessert, but one rolled across the counter and I thought, why not? That small impulse turned into this one-pan wonder that's been my go-to ever since.

I made this for my sister one morning when she was stressed about a work deadline, and watching her face light up when she tasted that first bite—the sweetness from the potatoes mixed with the citrus zing—felt like I'd done something more important than just cook breakfast. She asked for the recipe before even finishing her plate, which is when I knew it was a keeper.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: The foundation of this dish; they roast into tender, slightly caramelized treasures with crispy edges if you cut them into even chunks about the size of dice.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color that brightens the whole pan without overpowering the other flavors.
• Red onion: Gets soft and mellow as it roasts, bringing a subtle depth that balances the fruit.
• Oranges: Add them near the end so they don't dry out, and their juice mingles with the roasted vegetables to create a light sauce.
• Baby spinach: Wilts down to almost nothing but contributes iron and a gentle earthiness that grounds all the sweetness.
• Olive oil: The connector that helps every flavor speak to each other as things roast.
• Smoked paprika: This is where the savory magic lives; don't skip it or use regular paprika—the smoke is essential.
• Cumin: A whisper of warmth that ties everything together without announcing itself.
• Garlic powder: Subtle but necessary; fresh garlic can burn at this high heat, so powder is your friend.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously because roasting vegetables needs it more than you'd think.
• Eggs, feta, and fresh herbs: These are the optional finishing touches that transform breakfast into something memorable, though the hash is delicious without them.

Instructions

Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

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Heat your oven and prep your pan:

Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line your sheet pan with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and helps everything roast evenly. A hot oven is key to getting those caramelized edges on the sweet potatoes.

Toss vegetables with oil and spices:

In a bowl, combine your diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion, then drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle on the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until every piece is coated—this ensures even flavor and browning.

Roast the base layer:

Stir halfway through:

Spread everything on your sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes, then pull it out and give it a good stir so nothing sticks or browns unevenly on one side. You'll notice the sweet potatoes starting to soften and the edges turning golden.

Add the delicate ingredients:

Remove the pan from the oven and gently fold in your orange segments and spinach—the spinach will wilt from the residual heat. If you're adding eggs, make small nests in the vegetables and crack one into each.

Final roast:

Return to the oven for 8 to 10 more minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and any eggs are cooked to your liking. The whole kitchen will smell incredible.

Finish and serve:

Pull it out, sprinkle with feta and fresh herbs if using, and bring it straight to the table while it's warm. The heat will keep releasing the aromas of everything you just roasted.

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One morning I served this to my neighbor who'd been under the weather, and she ate two plates sitting on my kitchen stool, telling me about her garden plans. There's something nourishing about a meal that tastes bright and hopeful, and somehow this dish does that.

When to Serve This

This hash is perfect for weekend breakfast when you have people around, but I've also made it on weeknight evenings as a simple dinner. It works equally well for meal prep—you can roast everything on Sunday and eat it cold or reheated throughout the week, though it's best enjoyed fresh from the oven when things are still warm and the textures haven't softened too much.

How to Customize It

The beauty of a sheet pan recipe is that you can play with what you have on hand. I've swapped the oranges for tangerines when that's what the market had, and once I added chunks of fresh pineapple instead, which was surprisingly good with the smoked paprika. You could add chopped kale instead of spinach, toss in some diced fennel, or use a combination of winter squash if sweet potatoes aren't your thing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, though the hash is best eaten the day it's made. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm through—using the oven instead of the microwave keeps the vegetables from turning mushy. If you've added eggs, they'll get rubbery if reheated, so save eggs for freshly cooked versions.

• Make a double batch on Sunday and you'll have an easy grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.
• The hash tastes wonderful at room temperature too, so it's perfect for a casual brunch or picnic spread.
• Pair it with buttered toast or fresh avocado slices for a more complete meal.

Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.

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This sheet pan has become my solution for mornings when I want to feed people something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, when really I spent 45 minutes. That's the whole point of cooking, isn't it—making something nourishing and beautiful without the stress.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices enhance the flavors in this dish?

Smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder bring warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the sweetness of sweet potatoes and oranges.

→ Can this dish be adapted for vegan diets?

Yes, simply omit the eggs and feta cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly meal.

→ What cooking method is used to prepare this dish?

All ingredients are roasted on a single sheet pan, allowing flavors to meld while creating tender vegetables with a slightly caramelized finish.

→ How do the oranges contribute to the overall flavor?

Orange segments add a juicy, citrusy brightness that balances the earthiness of the roasted sweet potatoes and spices.

→ Can additional proteins be added to this dish?

Yes, cooked sausage or bacon can be included for extra savory notes and heartiness if preferred.