Sweet Potato Waffle Fries with Pepper Jelly Dip
These Sweet Potato Waffle Fries with Pepper Jelly Dip are going to be your new favorite app. With only three simple ingredients – using store-bought fries – this recipe is a no-brainer. Try it out for a fun twist on your typical sweet potato waffle fries, and now you have a completely unique side dish or appetizer.
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Our family was visiting Chapel Hill, NC, this week, and naturally, we had to go to Top of the Hill, one of our favorite restaurants. We were just stopping in for a quick drink, but happened to see an appetizer on the menu that we had not ordered before – sweet potato waffle fries with pepper jelly and cream cheese dip. We were so surprised at how good this appetizer tasted and how different, but easy, the dipping sauce was. I knew I had to recreate it at home!
Why I Love This Recipe
- The sweet and savory combo is spot on.
- Easy for any day of the week or to serve at a party.
- The dipping sauce is to die for! This isn’t your typical ketchup or special sauce situation. The creaminess of the cheese and the hot and sweet of the pepper jelly make the perfect sauce.
How To Make Sweet Potato Waffle Fries With Pepper Jelly
Equipment:
- Large cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
- Spoon
- Small bowl for dipping sauce
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes Waffle Fries (store-bought sweet potato fries)
- Olive oil spray (this is my favorite sprayer)
- Sea Salt (to taste)
- Pepper Jelly (I love the Trader Joe’s pepper jelly)
- Cream Cheese (whipped or regular)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place your sweet potato fries evenly on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- According to the directions on the package (or until the fries are crisp to your liking), bake your sweet potato fries in the oven or air fryer, flipping at least once during the bake. You can also spritz again with olive oil and salt if you prefer. Make sure to check frequently so the fries don’t burn.
- Transfer the fries to a serving platter.
- Scoop cream cheese into a small dipping bowl.
- Spread pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese so it’s completely covered. A little surprise hiding under the surface 🙂
Pro Chef Tips
#1 Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Make sure to spread the fries out in a single layer when baking. Overcrowding or piling them up causes them to stick and not crisp evenly.
#2 Don’t burn the fries. Make sure to check and flip the fries several times while baking so they don’t burn on the edges. They will still taste good, but the presentation won’t look as nice. You can also rotate the direction and oven rack to help them cook evenly.
#3 Don’t mix the dipping sauce before serving. Don’t mix the dipping sauce before serving for a more dramatic look. Let guests mix when they dip the fries or serve with a spoon for guests to stir.
Recipe Swaps & Riffs
- Don’t love sweet potato fries? Opt for regular fries instead.
- Not a cream cheese fan? Swap it for goat cheese. It will be equally delicious!
- If pepper jelly isn’t your favorite, try using a sweet chili sauce, chili crisp or a mango chutney. Maple syrup or hot honey will do in a pinch!
- Add any other seasonings you like. I love smoked paprika on mine.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Toss your fries with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro or thyme for added flavor.
- Add some Parmesan cheese to your fries after baking. Immediately toss fries with garlic powder and grated Parmesan for a savory, cheesy upgrade.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover fries and dip in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat using an oven or air fryer for best results to bring back the crunch.
How To Reheat
For best results, spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in a cold oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The same method works for the air fryer.
For a quick fix, you can heat the fries in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy and will be a little harder to dip. To microwave, place fries on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated.
FAQs
Can I bake the fries in an air fryer? Yes! Just make sure to cook in batches. If the fries overlap too much, they will not crisp up evenly.
Can I prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time? No need! It’s so easy to make, there is no need to prep it early. Simply scoop the cream cheese into a small bowl and pour the pepper jelly over the cheese to cover it.
Sweet Potato Waffle Fries with Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place your sweet potato fries evenly on a large baking sheet.
- Spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- According to the directions on the package, bake your sweet potato fries in the oven or air fryer, flipping, spritzing and salting halfway through. Bake per the instructions or until the fries are crisp to your liking. Make sure to check frequently so the fries don't burn.
- Transfer the fries to a serving platter.
- Scoop cream cheese into a small dipping bowl.
- Spread pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese so it's completely covered.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Make sure to spread the fries out in a single layer when baking or cooling. Crowding or piling them up traps steam and causes them to stick and not crisp evenly.
- Don’t mix the dipping sauce before serving. Don’t mix the dipping sauce before serving for a more dramatic look. Let guests mix when they dip the fries or serve with a spoon for guests to stir.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these baked sweet potato fries with pepper jelly dip. This simple but elevated side dish is perfect for serving as a side for a weeknight meal or an easy appetizer at a party. The secret ingredient is the sauce! It’s unique and delicious and so easy to make you can hardly call it a recipe! Sometimes the simplest recipes make the best dishes.
For more 5-ingredient or less dip recipes, check out my Boursin Cheese Dip and my Baked Feta Dip!
Cheers!
