If you’re looking for a dish that beautifully balances sweetness, spice, and a touch of crunch, you’ve just found your new favorite. The Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe brings together tender sweet potato rounds, warm cinnamon, aromatic nutmeg, and a luscious maple-honey glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. With a sprinkle of pecans and fresh thyme, this recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will warm your heart and brighten up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating a dish that’s sweet, spiced, nutty, and savory all at once, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Sweet potatoes: Three medium, peeled sweet potatoes provide the sweet and tender base that caramelizes so beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: One-third cup of melted butter adds richness and helps the spices cling to the potatoes.
- Cinnamon: One and a half teaspoons lend a warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the maple syrup.
- Nutmeg: Half a teaspoon introduces a subtle earthiness that elevates the flavor complexity.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances all the other ingredients.
- Pure maple syrup: A quarter cup of maple syrup provides deep, natural sweetness and beautiful caramelization.
- Honey: Four tablespoons work alongside maple syrup for a sticky, glossy finish.
- Chopped pecans: One-third cup adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
- Fresh thyme: One teaspoon finely chopped for a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 400º. This high temperature is just right for roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and golden, creating that perfect caramelized edge that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 2: Slice Your Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into half-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they cook evenly, stay tender inside, and develop a lovely roasted crust on the outside.
Step 3: Coat with Butter and Spices
In a bowl, mix the melted butter with one teaspoon of cinnamon and salt. Toss the sweet potato slices in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. The butter helps the spices stick and adds richness, while the cinnamon and salt balance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Roast Until Tender
Arrange the coated sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving enough space between each slice. This spacing is crucial—if they are crowding the pan, the potatoes will steam, preventing that beautiful roasting. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple-Pecan Topping
While the potatoes roast, combine maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining half teaspoon of cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a bowl. This mixture adds a wonderful sticky, spiced glaze with a delightful crunch from the pecans that elevates the dish.
Step 6: Add Topping and Finish Roasting
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, spoon about one teaspoon of the pecan-syrup mixture onto each slice. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the edges are caramelized and bubbly, sealing all those amazing flavors in.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Optional Extras
This dish is stunning as is but feel free to add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweetness and spices.
How to Serve Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs or a light dusting of extra cinnamon can make your presentation pop, adding a fragrant touch just before serving. A dollop of creamy cheese melts into each bite, making the flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even grilled vegetables. It’s a perfect autumn and winter side dish that complements savory mains with its rich sweetness and aromatic spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sweet potato slices stacked with layers of goat cheese and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an elegant appetizer. You could also mash them after roasting and fold in the pecan topping for a twist on traditional mashed sweet potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day side.
Freezing
If you want to keep these for longer, freeze the roasted sweet potatoes without the pecan topping to avoid sogginess. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350º oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisped back up on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy texture and caramelized top.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great and offer a nice crunch. Just be mindful of roasting times and texture differences.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this vegan-friendly, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace honey with additional maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I prepare this recipe without peeling the sweet potatoes?
Yes, if you prefer to keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, just make sure to wash them thoroughly and slice evenly for consistent cooking.
How sweet is this dish? Will it overpower savory meals?
The sweetness is well balanced by spices and salt, making it a versatile side that enhances rather than overwhelms savory mains.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Every ingredient here is naturally gluten-free, so this dish is perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a delicious way to bring warmth and joy to your table with every bite. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it over and over again, whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. Give it a try and let these sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes, a perfectly balanced dish combining the natural sweetness of tender roasted sweet potatoes with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a luscious maple syrup and honey glaze topped with crunchy pecans and fresh thyme. This oven-baked recipe is ideal for a flavorful side dish that’s both cozy and nutritious.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
Butter Mixture
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Maple Pecan Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the sweet potatoes to perfection.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds to promote even cooking and caramelization.
- Coat with Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Toss the sweet potato rounds thoroughly in this mixture so each piece is well coated for enhanced flavor and browning.
- Arrange and Roast: Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet in a single layer with space between them to avoid steaming. Roast for 25-30 minutes until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Maple Pecan Topping: While roasting, mix together maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a bowl to create a sweet and aromatic glaze.
- Glaze and Finish Roasting: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan and syrup mixture onto each sweet potato slice. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and edges get beautifully browned.
- Serve: Enjoy these roasted sweet potatoes as is or optionally top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory contrast to the sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh thyme over the finished dish just before serving.
- Use raw, unsalted pecans for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup only, omitting honey.
- Sweet potatoes can vary in size; adjust cooking time slightly if slices are thinner or thicker than 1/2 inch.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian side.
