There’s something truly magical about the blend of warm spices and natural sweetness in the Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. This dish transforms humble sweet potatoes into a comforting, vibrant side that bursts with cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, with the perfect hint of maple and honey sweetness. It brings together buttery, tender potatoes and crunchy pecans, all kissed with fresh thyme that brightens every bite. This recipe is one I turn to again and again when I want a dish that’s simple to make yet feels so special and festive on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic in the Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe comes from a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one is essential, bringing its own color, texture, or flavor that turns this recipe into something memorable and full of life.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, peeled and sliced to create tender, melt-in-your-mouth rounds.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to coat each piece, adding richness and helping with that gorgeous caramelized edge.
- Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic backbone that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and a touch of earthiness to the spice mix.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Pure maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness with that iconic maple flavor, forming the syrupy glaze.
- Honey: Works alongside maple to give a sticky, luscious coating while adding floral notes.
- Chopped pecans: For a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the tender potatoes.
- Fresh thyme: Finely chopped to add a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF. This temperature is perfect for roasting the sweet potatoes until they are tender inside and beautifully caramelized on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes carefully and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. These slices roast evenly, getting soft yet still holding their shape.
Step 3: Coat with Butter and Spice
In a bowl, mix the melted butter with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt. Toss the sweet potato slices in this mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated. This step ensures that every bite will be rich in buttery, spiced flavor.
Step 4: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange the coated sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. This spacing prevents steaming and helps them get those irresistible golden edges. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and lightly browned.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple-Pecan Topping
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a bowl. This mixture will become a sticky, flavorful topping that adds texture and aroma.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Finish Roasting
Once the potatoes are tender, spoon about one teaspoon of the pecan and syrup mixture onto each slice. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step caramelizes the edges and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is now ready to enjoy! If you like, add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and nutty flavors.
How to Serve Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary added just before serving enhance the dish’s aroma and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch or crumble some tangy goat cheese to create a stunning contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin, offering a sweet-savory balance. It also complements a hearty grain salad or a simple green salad, bringing warmth and vibrancy to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the roasted sweet potato slices stacked in overlapping layers on a large platter, drizzled with extra maple syrup. For a more casual vibe, keep them warm in a serving bowl with extra pecans sprinkled on top so everyone can help themselves to this irresistible side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day just as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring the frozen pieces into a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly for future use.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the edges, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep that perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios make excellent substitutes and will bring their own unique crunch and flavor, complementing the cinnamon and maple beautifully.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling helps create a smoother texture, especially when roasting in rounds, but if you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added fiber and rustic appeal—just be sure to wash them well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it a perfect option for plant-based eaters.
How sweet is this dish? Should I reduce the maple syrup or honey?
The balance of sweetness is gentle and harmonious, not overpowering. If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the honey or maple syrup by a tablespoon or two to suit your taste.
What is the best variety of sweet potato to use?
Firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal for roasting. They hold their shape well and offer a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and maple flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful side that feels both indulgent and simple, the Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to prepare, offers a comforting sweetness, and is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a straightforward dish can bring so much warmth and joy to your meals.
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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
Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful autumn side dish featuring tender sweet potato rounds roasted to perfection with a buttery cinnamon spice mix. Topped with a luscious blend of maple syrup, honey, nuts, and fresh thyme, this recipe balances cozy warmth and natural sweetness with a touch of herbaceous freshness. Ideal for holiday meals or comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
Spice & Butter Mixture
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping Mixture
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Optional Garnish
- Feta or goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) 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 even cooking and optimal texture.
- Coat sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Toss the sweet potato rounds thoroughly in this mixture until they are evenly coated, enhancing flavor and promoting browning.
- Arrange and roast initial layer: Lay the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, spacing them apart to avoid steaming. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork and browned on the edges.
- Prepare topping mixture: While the potatoes cook, mix maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and chopped fresh thyme in a bowl to create a sweet and aromatic topping.
- Add topping and continue baking: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan and syrup mixture over each roasted sweet potato slice. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are caramelized and bubbling at the edges.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the roasted sweet potatoes warm, optionally topped with crumbled feta or goat cheese for added creaminess and tanginess.
Notes
- Cut the slices evenly for uniform roasting and tenderness.
- Make sure to space the sweet potatoes well on the baking sheet to avoid steaming and keep them crispy.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme enhances flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; texture may soften.
