If you’re ready to make candy that’s just as at home beside a sharp cheddar as it is with your afternoon tea, the Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas will absolutely steal the show. Imagine a burnished golden snap, deeply toasty with roasted sweet potato, fragrant with sage, and studded with crunchy pepitas—each piece is a play of crackle, caramel sweetness, and herbal intrigue. This isn’t your average brittle; it’s a conversation starter, ideal for holiday sharing, cheese boards, or just treating yourself to a new savory-sweet obsession.

Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a role in flavor, texture, or that eye-catching brittle shine. Let’s walk through the lineup that makes Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas so unique and irresistible.

Mashed sweet potato: Roasted and cooled for creamy texture and earthy sweetness, forming the rich base of the brittle.
Sugar: The backbone of brittle, ensuring the right caramel crack and sweetness.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar smoothly for an even candy base.
Light corn syrup or golden syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and gives your brittle that glossy, snappy finish.
Unsalted butter: Infuses the brittle with a subtle richness and smooths out the flavor profile.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to sharpen those sweet and savory notes in every bite.
Baking soda: The magic foamer—adds lift, bubbles, and that delicate, crunchy bite we all love.
Finely chopped fresh sage: Brings a sophisticated, herbaceous aroma that lingers enticingly.
Toasted pepitas: These pumpkin seeds provide nutty crunch and gorgeous pops of green.
Extra flaky salt (optional): For garnish; a sprinkle transforms every shard into a flavor-packed treat.
Fried sage leaves (optional): For an elegant, aromatic finish and beautiful presentation.

How to Make Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then lightly greasing it to ensure your brittle will lift off easily later. This little step means less sticking and cleaner, crispier shards when you break the brittle apart. Set it aside within arm’s reach.

Step 2: Cook the Brittle Base

In a sturdy saucepan over medium heat, stir together your mashed sweet potato, sugar, water, syrup, butter, and sea salt. Stir continuously so everything combines smoothly and the sugar dissolves. Once it’s all silky and homogenous, increase the heat. Keep a watchful eye and your candy thermometer poised—the mixture needs to bubble away until it reaches the hard crack stage, 150°C (300°F). This step is where the magic—and the signature snap—happens.

Step 3: Add Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas Flavors

When your thermometer signals “hard crack,” immediately remove the pan from the heat. Swiftly (but safely) stir in the baking soda, chopped fresh sage, and the toasted pepitas. The mixture will foam, lighten, and smell absolutely incredible—work quickly so everything’s incorporated before it starts to firm up.

Step 4: Spread and Set

Without delay, pour the bubbling brittle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using an oiled spatula or spoon, spread it out to an even thinness. Don’t stress about making it perfectly square; a rustic edge only adds homey appeal. Let it stand undisturbed until it’s fully cooled, glassy, and ready to shatter.

Step 5: Break & Garnish

When your Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas is completely cool, lift it from the sheet and break into generous shards. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and a few crisp fried sage leaves for added flair and flavor.

How to Serve Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas

Garnishes

You can keep it classic with just a dusting of flaky salt, but fried sage leaves take the aroma and elegance to a whole new level. For a show-stopping effect, scatter them across a platter or tuck them into serving jars for an herby, edible “bouquet.”

Side Dishes

This brittle pairs beautifully with robust cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruit. Try it crumbled over a leafy salad or set alongside aged cheddar and apple slices for a sophisticated snack. It also shines next to creamy dips or tangy yogurt for textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, stack brittle shards in cellophane bags tied with twine, or tuck into decorative jars with a sprig of fresh sage. On a cheese board, arrange pieces between clusters of nuts and grapes. For a contemporary twist, serve a piece perched on top of a cup of rich squash soup—it’ll slowly melt for bursts of flavor in every spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp and snappy for up to a week, making it ideal for prepping ahead for gatherings or gifting.

Freezing

If you need to store it longer, place brittle shards between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature, uncovered, to preserve its crunch.

Reheating

Brittle doesn’t require reheating, but if you find it’s absorbed a little moisture, briefly set pieces in a low oven (about 250°F/120°C) for a few minutes to refresh their snap. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing again.

FAQs

Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

For best results and that professional, glassy crack, yes—a candy thermometer helps ensure you reach the hard crack stage. It’s a must for consistent results with Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas.

Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?

Fresh sage delivers a gentle, aromatic punch that dried can’t quite match, but in a pinch, you can use half the amount of dried sage. Rub it between your fingers before adding to release its oils.

How do I prevent my brittle from becoming sticky?

Store your brittle in an airtight container in a dry environment. Humidity is a brittle’s enemy, so avoid leaving it out uncovered for too long, especially on damp days.

Can I substitute pepitas with another seed or nut?

Absolutely! Toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans can stand in for pepitas if needed, but pepitas lend a special nutty green note that makes Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas unique.

Is this brittle very sweet or more savory?

This recipe strikes a gorgeous balance—sweet enough to feel like a treat, but layered with savory flavors from sage, pepitas, and sweet potato for a beautifully rounded experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience all the flavors and textures of Savory Sweet Potato & Sage Brittle with Pepitas! It’s the kind of treat that wows at parties, brings smiles to snack time, and impresses even the pickiest foodies. Gather your ingredients, grab your candy thermometer, and prepare to fall in love with a whole new side of brittle—you’ll be back for more, I promise!