If you are looking for a comforting side dish that beautifully balances sweet, warm spices with a hint of savory freshness, this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, caramelized sweet potato rounds kissed by cinnamon and nutmeg, tossed in melted butter, and drizzled with pure maple syrup and honey, then crowned with crunchy pecans and fragrant thyme. Each bite is a cozy celebration of flavors that make this dish perfect for weekday dinners or holiday feasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create magic in the oven. Each element brings its own unique touch—whether it’s the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes or the crunch of toasted pecans, every ingredient is essential for the perfect balance in this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
- Sweet potatoes (3 medium, peeled): The star of the dish, offering sweetness and a buttery texture when roasted.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the spice blend adhere to the potatoes.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Provides warm, fragrant spice that defines the flavor profile.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Infuses natural sweetness with a rich, woody depth.
- Honey (4 tablespoons): Adds viscosity and floral sweetness for that perfect glaze.
- Chopped pecans (1/3 cup): Brings delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, finely chopped): Lends an earthy, herbaceous note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Begin by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key to roasting the sweet potatoes until tender with a lightly crisp edge. Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring they cook evenly and soak up all the flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Toss Sweet Potatoes with Butter and Spices
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Toss the sweet potato slices until each piece is generously coated. The butter not only helps the spices stick but also promotes that golden, caramelized finish we’re aiming for in this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast Sweet Potatoes
Place the coated sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure to leave spaces between slices. This spacing is crucial because it prevents steaming, allowing the edges to brown nicely. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and invitingly roasted.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple-Pecan Glaze
While the sweet potatoes roast, mix together the maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and finely chopped fresh thyme in a bowl. This glaze will add beautiful texture and that signature sweet-spiced flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Roasting
Once the potatoes are tender, spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan-maple glaze atop each sweet potato slice. Return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes so the glaze caramelizes and the pecans toast slightly, creating a luscious, crunchy topping to elevate your Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
Step 6: Serve Warm or Add Cheese
These roasted beauties can be enjoyed exactly as is, but for an extra layer of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving. The creamy tang of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the maple glaze and warm spices.
How to Serve Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs or a light dusting of cinnamon add a lovely aromatic touch, making your presentation feel extra special. You might also try a small drizzle of extra maple syrup right before serving for shine and sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or pork, making it a perfect addition to holiday tables. It’s also great alongside green vegetable sides such as sautéed kale or roasted Brussels sprouts, balancing the sweetness with fresh, earthy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these roasted sweet potato rounds stacked in small towers, layering with dollops of tangy yogurt or goat cheese in between. Alternatively, turn this into a warm salad by adding some baby arugula and a splash of balsamic glaze for brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place the leftover cinnamon maple roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish beyond the initial meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the sweet potatoes after roasting and glazing by laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve that lovely roasted texture and glaze. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sweet potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds also work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just chop them roughly and toast them lightly before mixing with the glaze for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this recipe without peeling the sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can leave the skins on if you prefer, just be sure to scrub them well. The skins add extra fiber and texture, but the final dish will be a bit heartier.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you find the maple syrup and honey too sweet, try reducing the honey slightly or adding a splash of lemon juice to the glaze to balance the flavors with some acidity.
What other herbs can I use instead of thyme?
Rosemary or sage are excellent substitutes. Both herbs complement roasted sweet potatoes beautifully with their earthy and piney notes.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about roasting sweet potatoes with warm spices and a sweet maple glaze. The Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe brings out the best of simple ingredients and elevates them into a dish that feels like a warm hug. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine.
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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 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and aromatic, these Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes combine tender roasted sweet potato slices with a luscious maple and honey glaze, accented by warm spices and crunchy pecans. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a holiday favorite, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Maple Pecan Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Toss with Butter and Spices: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Toss the sweet potato slices in this mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful butter blend.
- Arrange and Roast Potatoes: Spread the sweet potato slices out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave small gaps between slices to allow proper browning rather than steaming. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Prepare Maple Pecan Mixture: While the potatoes roast, mix together maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and finely chopped fresh thyme in a bowl to create a rich, spiced glaze.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple pecan mixture on top of each sweet potato slice. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the edges of the sweet potatoes are beautifully caramelized.
- Serve: Serve these roasted sweet potatoes warm, either as they are or topped with optional feta or goat cheese for a creamy contrast.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the glaze.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup only instead of honey.
- Leaving space between potato slices is critical to achieve caramelized edges rather than steamed, soggy potatoes.
- These sweet potatoes can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
