Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug but tastes like a little celebration in your mouth, this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cubes of naturally sweet potatoes get kissed by olive oil and sprinkled with kosher salt before roasting to caramelized perfection. Then, a luscious drizzle of pure maple syrup combined with a whisper of ground cinnamon takes these golden bites to the next level, creating a harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes with every forkful. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the rich flavors and appealing texture of the dish. From the buttery sweetness of the potatoes to the cozy warmth of cinnamon, every component is essential.
- Sweet potatoes (2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and vibrant orange color that brightens up any meal.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly while adding a subtle richness and promoting crisp edges.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness for perfect seasoning.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky, deep sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy sweet potatoes.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Infuses a gentle warmth and spice that makes the dish cozy and inviting.
- Chopped candied pecans or walnuts (optional garnish): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness, elevating the presentation and taste.
How to Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature ensures your sweet potatoes roast to a perfect caramelized crisp on the edges while staying tender inside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl or directly on the baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then toss until every piece is evenly coated. Spreading them out in a single layer with a little space between cubes prevents steaming and promotes that beautiful roast. Finally, sprinkle kosher salt for a touch of seasoning that perfectly balances the natural sweetness.
Step 3: Roast the sweet potatoes
Pop the sweet potatoes into the oven and let them roast for 20 minutes. This initial roasting softens the potatoes and starts to develop their golden color and slightly crisp edges.
Step 4: Mix maple syrup and cinnamon
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture is the secret sauce that will elevate your sweet potatoes with its warm, sweet spice combination.
Step 5: Coat sweet potatoes with maple cinnamon glaze
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the maple cinnamon mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Toss or stir gently to coat every cube, ensuring an even glaze. Spread them back out in a single layer on the pan so they roast evenly in the final step.
Step 6: Finish roasting for desired crispiness
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your sweet potatoes. Be sure to give them a stir halfway through this final roast. Checking at 5 minutes is a good idea to avoid over-browning, especially if you prefer softer bites.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, transfer your perfectly caramelized Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle with chopped candied pecans or walnuts to introduce a lovely crunch and extra flavor dimension. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic of this simple yet stunning side dish.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped candied pecans or walnuts brings not only texture but also a nutty sweetness that complements the maple and cinnamon perfectly. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can also add a lively contrast. Consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a finishing touch that bursts with flavor.
Side Dishes
This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or a savory meatloaf for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian gathering, consider a fresh green salad or quinoa bowl for balanced plate harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the sweet potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or a colorful ceramic platter to emphasize the vibrant orange hues. You can also mix them into warm grain salads or stuff them inside soft tortillas with black beans and avocado for a cozy fall-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a convenient and flavorful addition to your weekday meals.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover roasted sweet potatoes by spreading them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping. Frozen sweet potatoes are best used within 3 months for optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps restore the crispy edges. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a skillet can revive some of their roasted charm on the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Fresh sweet potatoes are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture well during roasting. Canned sweet potatoes tend to be softer and may become mushy, so they are less ideal for roasting.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in the Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives. They offer similar sweetness and viscosity but slightly different flavor profiles, so your dish may taste a bit different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe as given is naturally vegan since it uses olive oil and pure maple syrup. Just be sure to use vegan-friendly candied nuts or skip the garnish to keep it fully plant-based.
How do I get the sweet potatoes crispy and not soggy?
Make sure the sweet potatoes are in a single layer with space between the pieces when roasting so they don’t steam. Roasting at a high temperature and tossing with enough oil also helps develop crispiness on the edges.
What is the best sweet potato variety to use?
For this recipe, starchy varieties like Beauregard or Jewel sweet potatoes work wonderfully, offering that perfect balance between creamy inside and caramelized outside.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and warmly spiced flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to side dishes in no time!
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Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender sweet potato cubes roasted to perfection, then coated with a warm maple syrup and cinnamon glaze. Garnished with candied pecans or walnuts, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for holiday dinners or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasoning & Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped candied pecans or candied walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and grease it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer, making sure the pieces are not touching. Sprinkle with kosher salt for seasoning.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes to soften and begin caramelizing.
- Prepare Maple Cinnamon Glaze: While the sweet potatoes roast, stir together the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until combined.
- Glaze the Sweet Potatoes: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the maple cinnamon mixture over the sweet potatoes. Stir well to evenly coat all the pieces. Arrange them again in an even single layer on the pan.
- Finish Roasting: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness. Stir halfway through this time to ensure even cooking. It’s recommended to check at 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with chopped candied pecans or walnuts if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spread the sweet potatoes out well to avoid overcrowding.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Candied nuts add a delightful crunch and contrast but can be omitted for a nut-free dish.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and maple syrup to suit your sweetness preference.
- Sweet potatoes can be roasted a day ahead and reheated in the oven to retain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
