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
Scale
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.
