Crispy edges paired with a tender, sweet interior—this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe truly hits all the right notes when you want a simple yet irresistible side dish. I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s just that good.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
When I’m craving something comforting but don’t want to fuss over complicated prep, this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is my go-to. The balance of natural sweetness from the maple syrup and warm spice from cinnamon makes these little cubes irresistible every time.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
- Easy to customize: You can easily tweak sweetness or spice levels to suit your taste.
- Perfect texture: Roasted to crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside perfection.
- Family friendly: Even picky eaters in my house ask for seconds!
Ingredients & Why They Work
This combo is a winner because each ingredient plays its part without overpowering. The natural sugars in the sweet potatoes complement the maple syrup, while the cinnamon adds warmth that ties everything together.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm ones with smooth skin for the best roasting results.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sweet potatoes crisp up beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup: Opt for 100% pure for that authentic maple flavor, which makes this dish irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with maple and sweet potatoes.
- Candied pecans or walnuts (optional): Gives a crunchy, sweet contrast that I personally love on top.
Make It Your Way
I like this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe as is, but I often swap the cinnamon for a pinch of smoked paprika for a savory twist, or toss in some fresh rosemary when I’m feeling fancy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Variation: Adding a little chili powder gives a sweet heat that’s surprisingly addictive—I tried it last fall, and it was a total hit.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Cut your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes—this size helps them roast evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on the sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them well so every piece gets a nice coating, then sprinkle with kosher salt. This initial roast will soften the potatoes and create a bit of that golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Make the Maple Cinnamon Glaze
While the sweet potatoes roast for about 20 minutes, mix your pure maple syrup with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This combo is magic—it adds just the right amount of sweetness and warmth.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish Baking
Once the initial roast is done, take the pan out and drizzle the maple-cinnamon glaze over the potatoes. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly, then spread them back out in a single layer. Pop the pan back in the oven for 5–10 minutes depending on how crispy you like them, flipping halfway through to roast evenly. I check right at 5 minutes to avoid burning—maple syrup caramelizes pretty quickly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and if you want that extra crunch, sprinkle on some chopped candied pecans or walnuts. Serve immediately, because these are best enjoyed warm with that perfectly sticky, crispy exterior.
Top Tip
Over the years, roasting sweet potatoes with maple syrup taught me a few things that make all the difference between “meh” and “wow” every time. Here are my best tips for success:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving the sweet potatoes space lets them roast instead of steam, which is key for crisp edges.
- Watch the glaze time closely: Maple syrup caramelizes fast, so checking at 5 minutes after glazing prevents burning.
- Use parchment or foil: It makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
- Shake things up halfway: A quick stir at the halfway point makes sure the potatoes brown evenly.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of the crunch that candied pecans add on top—sweet, nutty, and texturally delightful. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or even a light dusting of smoked paprika can add color and a flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or grilled pork. Sometimes I like to serve it alongside a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness—keeps the whole meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I arrange the maple roasted sweet potatoes on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary or thyme tucked in. It looks elegant and inviting, and guests always ask for the recipe! Adding a small bowl of extra glaze on the side lets folks drizzle more if they want that sticky-sweet goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover maple roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing works if you want to prep in advance. Spread the roasted sweet potatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for about a month. When you're ready, reheat straight from frozen for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop mine back into a 400°F oven on a parchment-lined pan for 8–10 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness better than a microwave, which tends to make them mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This recipe works well with most sweet potato varieties, but keep in mind some have higher moisture content, so cooking times might vary slightly. Just cut them into even cubes to ensure consistent roasting.
You can substitute maple syrup with honey or a drizzle of brown sugar, but the flavor will be a bit different. Maple syrup adds a unique depth and subtle smokiness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
The sweet potatoes get nicely crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. If you like them extra crispy, just extend the final baking time by a few minutes but watch closely to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning. However, it’s best to do the roasting and glazing fresh to keep maximum flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough to serve at a holiday table. I love how the sweet and savory notes balance perfectly, making eaten-it-all-up moments a given. You’re going to enjoy how easy it is to make and how often you’ll want to go back for seconds (or thirds). Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become your new favorite side.
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Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a warm and comforting side dish featuring tender sweet potato cubes roasted to perfection with olive oil, cinnamon, and a delicious maple syrup glaze. Garnished with candied pecans or walnuts, this recipe adds a delightful sweet and savory touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish
- Chopped candied pecans or candied walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato cubes onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure the cubes are not touching. Sprinkle with kosher salt evenly over the potatoes.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes, allowing them to begin browning and softening.
- Prepare Maple Cinnamon Mixture: While the potatoes roast, stir together the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
- Glaze Sweet Potatoes: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the maple cinnamon mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Stir gently to coat all the cubes and spread them back into an even layer on the pan.
- Final Roasting: Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. Stir halfway through this time to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Check at 5 minutes if you prefer less crispy potatoes.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven once the potatoes are tender and nicely caramelized. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with chopped candied pecans or walnuts if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- The combination of maple syrup and cinnamon creates a natural, rich sweetness that complements the earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- For extra crispiness, ensure sweet potatoes are spread in a single layer and do not overlap on the baking sheet.
- Feel free to substitute candied pecans or walnuts with regular toasted nuts for a less sweet garnish.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or as a hearty vegetarian side dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Protein: 2.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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