As I peeled back the layers of a sweet potato, a warm, earthy aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me to cozy holiday gatherings. Enter my favorite side dish: Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. This recipe combines tender, naturally sweet potatoes with a delightful cinnamon glaze that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Not only are these sweet potatoes a luscious addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, but they’re also surprisingly simple to prepare—making them a definite crowd-pleaser. The crispy edges topped with a crunchy maple-pecan topping will have everyone reaching for seconds! Are you ready to elevate your next meal with these irresistible flavors? Why are these sweet potatoes irresistible? Simplicity at Its Best: With minimal prep time, these sweet potatoes transform into an exceptional dish with just a few steps. Crunchy, Sweet, and Savory: The combination of maple syrup and pecans creates an irresistible topping that perfectly complements the warm spices. Festive Flavor: Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas, their inviting aroma will fill your home and delight your guests. Versatile Pairing: Easily served alongside proteins like Honey Garlic Chicken or fresh salads, they enhance any meal. Crowd Appeal: These Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes will have everyone at the table asking for your recipe—they’re that good! Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Ingredients For the Sweet Potatoes • Sweet Potatoes – These are the star, adding creamy sweetness and vibrant color to your dish. • Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich flavor and aids in crisping during roasting for a delightful texture. For the Spices • Cinnamon – Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making your dish warm and inviting. • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor—don’t skip this step! • Pepper – Adds a touch of warmth; feel free to adjust to suit your taste. • Paprika – Offers a beautiful color and mild flavor depth; this is optional if you prefer simplicity. For the Glaze • Maple Syrup – This sweetener gives a luxurious finish and caramelizes beautifully during baking; you could swap it for honey for a different twist. • Chopped Pecans – Add crunch and nuttiness; walnuts work beautifully too if that’s what you have on hand. • Thyme – Provides herby freshness that cuts through the sweetness; rosemary is a lovely alternative if you want to change it up. These Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish, but rather a celebration of flavors that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 380°F (200°C). This temperature allows the sweet potatoes to roast perfectly, developing crispy edges while keeping the insides tender. While the oven warms, gather your ingredients to make the process smoother and more enjoyable, ensuring every aspect of your Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes shines. Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. If you prefer, you can peel the sweet potatoes for a smoother texture. The uniformity in size is crucial for even cooking, ensuring every piece achieves that delightful tenderness. Once sliced, place them in a large bowl for the next step. Step 3: Create the Flavorful Coating In a separate bowl, melt your unsalted butter, then combine it with cinnamon, salt, paprika, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Pour this aromatic blend over the sweet potato slices and toss them gently, making sure each slice is generously coated. This step adds layers of flavor to your Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes while enhancing their natural sweetness. Step 4: Arrange for Baking Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then spread the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on the tray. Ensure there is space between each slice to allow them to roast rather than steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are firm and just beginning to soften, releasing their delightful aroma. Step 5: Prepare the Topping Mix While the sweet potatoes are baking, take a moment to mix together your maple syrup, chopped pecans, a touch of cinnamon, and thyme in a medium bowl. This will create a delicious topping that adds both crunch and sweetness to your roasted sweet potatoes. The aromatic blend of these ingredients will enhance the cozy flavors in your Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Step 6: Add the Maple-Pecan Topping After the initial baking time, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple-pecan mixture onto each sweet potato slice. Make sure to distribute the topping evenly for that perfect blend of flavors. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the topping to caramelize and create a beautiful golden finish. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Once the sweet potatoes are beautifully caramelized and fragrant, remove them from the oven. You can serve them as is or add a sprinkle of crumbled feta for an added layer of flavor. These delectable Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes will surely be a festive highlight at your table, bringing warmth and joy to your meal. What to Serve with Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes These delightful sweet potatoes promise to elevate your holiday feast, but what can you pair with their sweet, spiced goodness? Honey Garlic Chicken: This juicy chicken dish brings savory flavors that balance the sweet potatoes’ sweetness, making every bite a delicious harmony. The sticky glaze on the chicken creates an irresistible contrast with the crunchy, caramelized edges of the sweet potatoes. Cucumber Strawberry Salad: The crisp cucumber and vibrant strawberries add a refreshing brightness to your meal. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, this salad brings a burst of freshness that complements the warm, earthy flavors of the sweet potatoes beautifully. Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey: A classic choice for the holidays, the savory turkey elevates your meal while merging perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes. The warmth and richness of the herbs used in roasting will create an unforgettable flavor duo. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery, mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the sweet, crispy roasted sweet potatoes. Their smooth texture and creamy flavor create a delightful foil for the crispy texture of the side dish. Spiced Mulled Wine: This warm, aromatic drink beautifully enhances the cozy atmosphere of any holiday gathering. The spices in mulled wine echo the warm flavors of the sweet potatoes, making it a perfect pairing for a festive cheers. Pecan Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of pecan pie. The nutty flavor and caramel richness resonate with the pecans on the sweet potatoes, making this dessert a satisfying conclusion to your holiday feast. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and herbs, these crunchy sprouts add a savory dimension that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes. Their earthy flavor will enhance the overall experience of your meal. Classic Stuffing: A buttery, herb-infused stuffing is an indispensable holiday favorite. Its savory profile works hand-in-hand with the sweetness of the cinnamon maple roasted sweet potatoes, creating a balanced plate that everyone will love. Expert Tips for Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Even Slicing: Ensure your sweet potato slices are cut evenly; this promotes uniform roasting and prevents inconsistencies in texture. Space is Key: Avoid overcrowding the baking tray to allow proper air circulation, which helps achieve that perfect crispy texture in your Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Flavor Enhancement: For an added layer of flavor, try sprinkling crumbled feta on top just before serving; it beautifully complements the sweetness. Storage Savvy: If making ahead, store the baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container. Reheat them gently to maintain their delightful texture. Taste Adjustments: Feel free to adjust seasonings to match your palate; more cinnamon can heighten the warmth, while additional maple syrup will enhance sweetness. Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Variations Feel free to customize these delightful sweet potatoes to match your cravings and dietary needs! Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely or replace them with pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch. This simple swap ensures everyone can enjoy the dish, making it friendly for nut allergies. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon butter mix for a heat boost. The warmth of cayenne pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, creating a tantalizing flavor experience! Maple Twist: Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar for a lighter sweetness. Agave gives a unique flavor while keeping the dish vegan-friendly and just as scrumptious. Cranberry Burst: Stir in dried cranberries or raisins with the topping for added sweetness and color. This fruity addition brings a festive touch, making each bite a delight during the holidays. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a piney flavor profile. Rosemary adds a savory twist that complements the sweetness beautifully, making it a unique side dish. Texture Variation: Try adding a sprinkle of cooked quinoa or couscous atop the sweet potatoes before baking. This will introduce a delightful texture contrast and make your dish even heartier! Other Root Veggies: Mix in carrots or parsnips for a colorful and flavorsome assortment. This combination not only adds vibrancy but also enhances your holiday spread! For more holiday inspirations, consider trying Cinnamon Focaccia Brown or give festive flair with Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins. These ideas help you make the most of seasonal ingredients! Make Ahead Options These Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights or during holiday gatherings! You can slice the sweet potatoes and toss them in the cinnamon butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance—just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the maple-pecan topping mixture up to 3 days ahead, keeping it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, simply spread the sweet potatoes on a baking tray, add the topping, and roast as directed for deliciously crispy and caramelized results. Enjoy the convenience of having this delightful side dish ready to go! How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Fridge: Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cinnamon maple roasted sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, reheat in a single layer in the oven to restore crispiness. Preparation Tip: If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and their tasty glaze separately, storing both in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs What type of sweet potatoes should I use? I recommend using large, firm sweet potatoes, as they’re easier to slice and will yield a better texture when roasted. Look for sweet potatoes that are smooth with minimal blemishes; avoid any with dark spots all over, which can indicate spoilage. How long can I store the roasted sweet potatoes? You can refrigerate the Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to keep them fresh and to avoid sogginess when reheating. Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! To freeze your sweet potatoes, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep for up to 3 months. This process prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to take out only what you need later. What can I do if my sweet potatoes are too soft after baking? If your sweet potatoes turn out a bit too soft, ensure you’re cutting them into uniform slices for even cooking next time. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking tray; steam can cause them to soften further instead of achieving that delightful crispiness. You can always place them back in the oven on high heat for a few extra minutes to help crisp them up. Are there any dietary considerations when preparing this dish? Yes! If you are cooking for someone with nut allergies, you can easily substitute chopped pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Additionally, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly; just be cautious if adding feta or any other dairy toppings, as that would not be suitable for a vegan diet. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and their glaze separately in advance. Store each in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just remember to assemble and bake them just before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor! Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A Holiday Delight Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that adds warmth and flavor to any holiday gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sweet Potatoes3 medium Sweet Potatoes Peeled and sliced2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter MeltedFor the Spices1 teaspoon Cinnamon1 teaspoon Salt1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste1/2 teaspoon Paprika OptionalFor the Glaze1/2 cup Maple Syrup Can substitute with honey1/2 cup Chopped Pecans Can substitute with walnuts1 teaspoon Thyme Or use rosemary Equipment OvenBaking traylarge bowlmedium bowlParchment paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet PotatoesPreheat your oven to 380°F (200°C).Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.In a separate bowl, melt your unsalted butter, then combine it with cinnamon, salt, paprika, and pepper.Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then spread the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on the tray.While the sweet potatoes are baking, mix together your maple syrup, chopped pecans, a touch of cinnamon, and thyme in a medium bowl.After initial baking, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple-pecan mixture onto each sweet potato slice and return to oven.Once caramelized, remove them from the oven and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure uniformity in slicing for even cooking. These sweet potatoes can be served with crumbled feta for added flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
