Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema Recipe

If youโ€™re ready to fall in love with taco night all over again, Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema are here to sweep you off your feet! Theyโ€™re a seriously crave-worthy mix of smoky chipotle-roasted sweet potatoes, the punchy freshness of lime crema, and just the right crunch in every bite.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Fireworks: The smoky chipotle, vibrant lime, and sweet roasted potatoes create a symphony of tastes in every bite.
  • Satisfyingly Crispy: Each taco shell gets perfectly golden with melty cheese and tender, caramelized veggiesโ€”no soggy tacos here!
  • Totally Weeknight-Friendly: This dish comes together in just over an hour, and most of it is hands-off while things roast or bake.
  • Customizable for All: Whether youโ€™re vegetarian, gluten-free, or love it extra spicy, Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema are easy to make your own.

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

This recipe is built on a handful of colorful, everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. From creamy Greek yogurt to smoky chipotle powder and sweet orange potatoesโ€”every element adds that signature taste, color, or texture that makes these tacos so irresistible!

  • Extra virgin olive oil: Coats the sweet potatoes and poblano for golden, flavorful roastingโ€”youโ€™ll taste the difference!
  • Sweet potatoes: Choose vibrant orange sweet potatoes for sweetness, color, and that caramelized, crispy edge after roasting.
  • Chipotle or regular chili powder: Delivers deep, smoky spiceโ€”chipotle adds a special kick, but mild chili powder works if you prefer less heat.
  • Smoked paprika: Layers in that irresistible barbecue aroma, making every bite taste like it came out of a wood-fired oven.
  • Ground cumin: Gives classic taco earthiness and enhances the complexity of the spice mix.
  • Garlic powder: A dash here wakes up the whole blend with savory undertonesโ€”no chopping needed.
  • Crushed red pepper: Add to your liking for a subtle burn that lingers just enough.
  • Dried oregano: Adds herbal depth that rounds out the Mexican-inspired flavors.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavorsโ€”donโ€™t skimp!
  • Poblano pepper: Its mild heat and meaty texture are the perfect balance to the sweet potatoes. Remove seeds for less heat.
  • Canned black beans: Drain them well and toss in at the endโ€”theyโ€™re creamy, earthy, and pack plant-based protein.
  • Hard shell tacos (grain-free or regular): Use your favorite (or make your own) for that signature crunch.
  • Shredded Mexican cheese: Melts beautifullyโ€”classic, salty, and just gooey enough.
  • Fresh cilantro and jalapeรฑo: Stir together for a zippy, herby taco topper. Remove jalapeรฑo seeds for less heat.
  • Mashed avocado: Rich and creamy, it gives a mellow counterbalance to all the zesty, bold flavors.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: Forms the luscious base of the lime crema.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds richness and body to the crema.
  • Lime zest: Fresh zest wakes up the crema with intensely bright, citrusy punch.
  • Sea salt: Tiny pinch in the crema brings out even more zingy lime flavor.
Note: Youโ€™ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema? Theyโ€™re endlessly adaptable! Have fun mixing things up based on whatโ€™s in your fridge, your mood, or your dietary needsโ€”flexibility is half the fun.

  • Swap the Beans: Try pinto or kidney beans for a slightly different flavor or texture, or leave them out if you prefer more veggies.
  • Dairy-Free Magic: Use a plant-based yogurt for the crema and your favorite dairy-free cheese in the tacos to make everything completely vegan.
  • Homemade Taco Shells: Crisp up corn or flour tortillas in the oven for your own custom taco shellsโ€”just brush lightly with oil and bake until golden.
  • Add Protein: Sneak in a handful of shredded rotisserie chicken or extra tofu cubes for a heartier meal.
  • Turn Up the Heat: Toss in extra jalapeรฑo or a splash of hot sauce to crank up the spice level if youโ€™re feeling bold!

How to Make Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) for irresistibly caramelized sweet potatoes! Toss your diced sweet potatoes and poblano with olive oil and all the spices right on a baking sheetโ€”make sure every cube is coated for the best flavor. Spread everything out in a single layer, then roast for 35 to 40 minutes. The goal: edges that are crisp and golden with just a bit of char.

Step 2: Mix in Black Beans

Once the sweet potatoes are gorgeously roasted, stir in your drained black beans directly on the pan. The residual heat will warm them up and help the flavors really come together without overcooking the beans.

Step 3: Make the Lime Crema

In a small jar or bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, lime zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir or shake until itโ€™s silky smooth and flecked with lime. This quick crema takes just minutes and brings the zippy, creamy finish that ties everything together.

Step 4: Prep the Taco Shells and Fillings

Arrange your taco shells in rows on a sheet pan or snuggled in a baking dish. Warm them in the oven for 5 minutesโ€”this primes them for crunch and keeps them from shattering. Now, spoon roasted sweet potatoes and beans into each, then blanket with plenty of cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Cheesy and Golden

Pop the tray back in for about 10 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the shells are extra crisp, youโ€™re taco-ready!

Step 6: Dress, Garnish, and Enjoy

Mix chopped cilantro and jalapeรฑo, then scatter over the tacos. Pile on creamy avocado, drizzle with your tangy lime crema, and call everyone to the tableโ€”Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema are best enjoyed hot and fresh!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema

  • Roast, Donโ€™t Crowd: Spread sweet potatoes out so theyโ€™re in a single layerโ€”overcrowding steams them, which means no gorgeous crispy edges!
  • Creamy Crema Consistency: Add just a drop of water or more lime juice if your crema is too thick to drizzle.
  • Customize the Crust: For even crunchier shells, brush an extra touch of olive oil inside the taco shells before their initial bake.
  • Prep Ahead Friendly: Chop your veggies and mix the spice blend ahead of time for a super quick assembly on busy nights.

How to Serve Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema

Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Go wild with toppingsโ€”a cascade of fresh cilantro and jalapeรฑo, creamy mashed avocado, extra hot sauce, or even crunchy shredded cabbage if youโ€™re feeling it. The bright, tangy lime crema absolutely brings everything together, so donโ€™t skip that final drizzle before serving!

Side Dishes

Pair Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema with a side of classic Mexican rice, tangy pickled onions, or a summery corn salad. Refried beans or simple grilled veggies also make a perfect, hearty partnership.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging tacos upright in a casserole dish for a party tray, or lay them out on a large platter, then let everyone pile on their favorite toppings taco-bar style. Mini taco shells make this recipe a fabulous appetizer, tooโ€”perfect for game nights or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sweet potato filling and lime crema can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for three to four days. Store taco shells separately to keep them crisp, and assemble just before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

The sweet potato and bean filling freezes beautifully for up to two monthsโ€”just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Hold off on freezing the crema or assembled tacos, as dairy and crisp shells donโ€™t freeze as well.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want the tacos crispy again, fill fresh taco shells and bake at 350ยฐF until heated through and meltyโ€”just like the first time!

FAQs

  1. Can I make Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema vegan?

    Absolutely! Simply use your favorite plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo for the lime crema, and swap in a dairy-free cheese for the tacos. The flavor stays bold and authentic, and youโ€™ll keep all that signature creaminess.

  2. Whatโ€™s the best way to keep taco shells crispy?

    Always pre-bake the shells for a few minutes before filling them. Assembling just before serving also prevents any sogginess from the warm filling and crema. If needed, you can crisp up shells in a hot oven right before serving again!

  3. How spicy are these tacos?

    The heat is totally customizable! Chipotle powder and jalapeรฑo add a gentle kick, but feel free to reduce the red pepper flakes or skip extra jalapeรฑo for a milder versionโ€”or amp it up if youโ€™re after serious spice.

  4. Can I prepare the components of this recipe ahead of time?

    You sure can! The roasted sweet potatoes, crema, and even the chopped cilantro-jalapeรฑo mix can be prepped a day in advanceโ€”just store them separately and assemble the tacos just before baking for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

If youโ€™re after a taco night that wows, these Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema will become your new go-to. Theyโ€™re zesty, satisfying, and just plain fun to make and eat. Gather your crew, pass the toppings, and savor every crunchy, smoky, creamy biteโ€”youโ€™re in for a treat!

Print
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Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema Recipe

Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 65 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring smoky chipotle-spiced sweet potatoes, creamy lime crema, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a satisfying meatless meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Sweet Potato Filling:

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tsp chipotle or regular chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4โ€“ 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained

Additional Ingredients:

  • 8 grain-free hard shell tacos (or homemade option)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeรฑo, seeded and chopped
  • Mashed avocado, for serving

  • Salted Lime Crema:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425ยฐF.
  2. 2. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt. Add the poblano and toss to combine. Bake for 35-40 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

  3. Make the Salted Lime Crema:
  4. Combine all crema ingredients in a jar and shake or stir until creamy.

  5. Bake the Taco Shells:
  6. Line up taco shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Fill each shell with sweet potato mixture and cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts.

  7. Finish and Serve:
  8. Mix cilantro and jalapeรฑo in a bowl. Top tacos with crema, avocado, and spicy cilantro. Serve and enjoy!


Notes

  • You can customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper.
  • Feel free to add your favorite toppings like salsa, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.
  • For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and yogurt alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: Approx. 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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