If you’re craving a cozy, fall-flavored side dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, then this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender sweet potato rounds roasted to perfection, infused with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, then lovingly drizzled with maple syrup and honey, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with toasted pecans and fresh thyme, this dish is both comforting and elegant—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe unforgettable. Each element plays a starring role, from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the warm spices and the crunch of pecans, creating layers of flavor and texture.
- Sweet potatoes: Use medium-sized and peeled for the best texture and even cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the seasoning stick wonderfully.
- Cinnamon: A warming spice that gives this dish its signature cozy flavor.
- Nutmeg: A subtle touch for depth and a hint of warmth in every bite.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and that classic caramelized glaze.
- Honey: Works in harmony with maple syrup for a luscious sticky coating.
- Chopped pecans: For crunch, a toasty flavor boost, and nutty contrast against tender potatoes.
- Fresh thyme: Finely chopped to bring a fragrant, herbaceous note.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for getting those sweet potatoes beautifully caramelized while keeping them tender inside.
Step 2: Peel and Slice
Peel off the skin of your sweet potatoes and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they roast evenly without drying out or turning mushy.
Step 3: Season with Butter and Spices
Combine the melted butter with one teaspoon of cinnamon and salt. Toss your sweet potato rounds in this mixture until each piece is nicely coated. This step infuses the potatoes with warmth and richness, creating a flavorful base layer.
Step 4: Roast the Slices
Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, spacing them out so they won’t steam. Giving them room means they’ll brown and crisp just right along the edges. Roast these for 25 to 30 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork, signaling perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple Pecan Topping
While the potatoes are roasting, mix together the maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining cinnamon, and fresh thyme. This flavorful topping will bring a delightful crunch and deep sweetness that elevates this recipe to the next level.
Step 6: Top and Finish Roasting
Once your sweet potatoes are tender, spoon about one teaspoon of the pecan and syrup mixture over each slice. Pop the baking sheet back into the oven and roast for another 10 minutes. During this time, the syrupy topping caramelizes around the edges, creating a stunning glaze.
Step 7: (Optional) Add Cheese
For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before serving. The creamy tang complements the sweetness perfectly, but they’re just as delicious on their own.
How to Serve Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a few extra chopped pecans can instantly make this dish pop at the table. You can also add a dollop of creamy yogurt or a light drizzle of balsamic reduction to amp up the flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, where the sweetness of the potatoes balances savory flavors. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad to bring freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sweet potatoes on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy feast vibe or plate them individually with a sprig of thyme on top for an elegant touch at dinner parties. They also make a fantastic topping for grain bowls with quinoa or wild rice, adding a sweet-savory punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, perfect for easy reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked sweet potatoes flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for 1 to 2 months and thawed in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the potatoes tender and restores the crisp edges and caramelized topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While standard orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best for their natural sweetness and texture, you can also try purple or white sweet potatoes for a unique twist and colorful presentation.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making this dish deliciously accessible.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?
Definitely. You can complete the first roasting step and prepare the pecan-maple topping in advance. When ready to serve, add the topping and finish roasting for that fresh, caramelized finish.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme? Can I use dried?
Dried thyme can be used, but since it’s more concentrated, reduce the amount to about half a teaspoon to avoid overpowering the dish. Fresh thyme brings a brighter, fresher note that really elevates the flavors.
Can I add other nuts or seeds instead of pecans?
Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can work wonderfully. Just toast them lightly beforehand to bring out their flavor and maintain crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s easy to make, filled with irresistible flavors, and brings a beautiful warmth to the dinner table. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal, I truly hope you give this dish a try—you’re going to love how it fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and brightens up any meal with its perfect balance of sweet and spice!
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: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes, featuring tender sweet potato rounds roasted to perfection and topped with a luscious mix of maple syrup, honey, pecans, and aromatic spices. This dish makes a perfect side for fall dinners or a sweet yet savory treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Sweet & Topping Mixture
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Toss sweet potatoes in seasoning: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Add the sweet potato rounds and toss thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Lay out the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice to allow browning instead of steaming. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are fork tender and lightly browned.
- Mix the sweet topping: While the sweet potatoes bake, combine the maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a bowl. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Add the pecan and syrup topping: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan and syrup mixture onto each slice. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the topping, creating a delightful, glossy finish around the edges.
- Serve: Serve the roasted sweet potatoes warm, either on their own or topped with optional feta or goat cheese for a creamy contrast.
Notes
- Make sure to space the sweet potato slices adequately on the baking sheet to avoid steaming, which prevents caramelization and crisp edges.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Optional toppings like feta or goat cheese add a tangy richness that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness, or warmed gently in a microwave.
