Ingredients
- 4 medium-large sweet potatoes (about 2½ lbs), scrubbed well and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken (grilled or rotisserie), chopped
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- Sliced black or green olives (optional, for a savory twist)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep Your Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
2. Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Using a sharp knife, slice each sweet potato lengthwise into ½-inch-thick slabs. You want them thick enough to hold toppings, but not so thick that they take forever to cook. Aim for consistent slices to ensure even baking.
3. Season and Oil
Place the slices in a large bowl or directly on the parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Drizzle the oil over the slices, then use clean hands to toss everything together until well coated. Make sure the slices are laid out in a single layer with space between each piece—this helps them crisp rather than steam.
4. Bake the Sweet Potato “Crusts”
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. They should be golden brown on the outside and fork-tender inside. If you like them crispier, leave them in for an additional 3–5 minutes, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
5. Add the Toppings
Once the sweet potato bases are baked, remove the trays from the oven. Spoon a bit of marinara sauce onto each slice, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of cooked chicken. If you’re using jalapeños, olives, or other toppings, add them now.
6. Broil to Finish
Turn your oven to broil. Slide the trays back in and broil the pizzas for 3 to 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them—broiling happens fast, and you don’t want the toppings to burn.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the pizzas cool for a minute or two, then serve warm.
Notes
Troubleshooting Tips
- Sweet potatoes too soft? You may have sliced them too thin. Next time, aim for ½-inch thickness for sturdier results.
- Cheese browning too fast under the broiler? Move the baking tray to a lower oven rack and reduce broil time by a minute.
- Too much liquid on the tray? Some marinara sauces have a high water content. Try using a thicker sauce or draining excess liquid before adding it.
Prep Tips
- Make ahead: You can slice and season the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. Just chop it into small pieces for even topping distribution.
- Cheese matters: Grate your own cheese if possible—it melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.
Tool Substitutions
- No parchment paper? Lightly grease the pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- No broiler? Increase your oven temperature to 425°F and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes