Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cherries (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Bring some excitement to your side dish tonight with this easy sheet pan recipe. It can also be pre-made as a dump-and-go freezer meal, saving you the hassle of prepping later.

I am so excited to introduce to you one of my easiest side dishes! This recipe can use all pre-frozen fruits and veggies that you can mix together, toss in the oven, and relax. You don't even have to thaw anything before it goes in the oven. It's really that easy!

Combine this recipe with a slow cooker day and you'll barely have to lift a finger to get a mouth-watering dinner on the table.

Feel free to buy fresh and/or pre-cut veggies from your produce department if you can't find something frozen or need that extra help.

You can also double or triple this recipe and save the other portions for an easy freezer-stash side dish. This is a great recipe to have on the ready for those crazy busy days or if you're recovering from an autoimmune flare-up.

Ingredients in this sweet potato side dish (and substitutions)

• Sweet Potatoes: these delicious tubers are great in this sweet and savory side. They are the heart and soul of this dish. If you are out, or are looking to change things up, feel free to substitute with frozen butternut squash.
• Yellow Onion: this allium is packed with antioxidants and become so sweet as they bake in the oven. Substitute with shallots or leeks if you prefer. If you are avoiding onions, swap it out for some fennel.
• Dark Cherries: combining your fruit with protein and low starch veggies has proven to help boost nutrition absorption without spiking your blood sugar. Feel free to leave this one out for a more savory dish.
• Garlic: bumping up the allium antioxidants with garlic! Swap out with some chives or green onions, if you prefer. If you are in a pinch, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic power, or to taste.
• Avocado Oil: this neutral tasting cooking oil is great for roasting veggies, as it has a high smoke point of 482 degrees. Swap it out with some olive oil if you're all out.
• Dried Thyme: this earthy herb brings such a wonderful aroma to this dish. If you're not a fan, feel free to substitute with your favorite dried herb(s).
• Sea Salt: feel free to substitute with Kosher salt. If you are avoiding salt, leave it out and increase your dried herbs to taste.

How to make this easy sheet pan side

Directions for freezing before cooking (dump-and-go style):

• *If you can't find frozen diced sweet potatoes, you can blanch freshly diced sweet potatoes by putting them in a pot of boiling water for 3 minutes, quickly removing them with a slotted spoon, and putting them into a bowl of ice water for 3 more minutes.Drain and pat dry with a towel, then proceed.
• Put all of the ingredients into a 1-gallon freezer bag
• Massage lightly with your hands to mix the ingredients
• Push all the air out of the bag, seal, label, and freeze

Then when you need it –>

• If the potatoes are stuck together into one big block, thaw in the fridge overnight. However, if you need it immediately, either put in the microwave for 30-second increments until you can separate them or place the bag in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes until you can separate them.
• Pour the contents of the bag onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or into a glass baking dish
• Roast at 425 F for 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender

Directions for cooking tonight without freezing first :

• Either use frozen pre-diced sweet potatoes or peel and dice your own, and then mix with the rest of the ingredients and spread on a baking sheet or in a glass dish
• Roast at 425 F for 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender

Can you make this delicious side ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pour all of your ingredients into an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

But also… I'm a HUGE fan of easy freezer side dishes, especially ones where you don't even need to cook the ingredients first.

See more Paleo & AIP Freezer Meals

This recipe makes a perfect “dump-and-go” freezer side dish. So my suggestion is to prep 2x the ingredients, pour one half on your baking sheet for tonight and the other half into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need an easy side pull this out of the freezer, pour everything onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake until the sweet potatoes are warm and tender. You don't need to thaw this recipe before baking either.

Want other Paleo and AIP freezer-friendly side recipes? Try one of these!

Sweet Potato Casserole (Paleo, AIP): Velvety smooth spiced mashed sweet potatoes and a sweet crunchy topping combine to make a delightfully good holiday side dish.

Bacon Mac and Cheese (Paleo, AIP, Dairy-free): The ultimate comfort food – gooey, warm, and filling – this AIP Bacon Mac and Cheese is cozy and delightful.

AIP Flatbread Recipe: Been missing sandwiches or bread while on the AIP Diet (Autoimmune Protocol)? This easy-to-make flatbread may be the answer to your dreams!

More Helpful Resources in the Autoimmune Freebie Library

If you find this recipe helpful, you may really enjoy the resources in my Autoimmune Freebie Library! There's a “dump” freezer meal plan, recipes, starter guides, and so much more. Plus, you'll get even more ideas sent to your inbox!  Get the password here.

Sweet Potato and Cherries Side Dish Recipe

If you make this sweet potato and cherry side dish, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Either comment below or share a pic on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune!