Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Description

Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These tender sweet potatoes are tossed in cinnamon butter and roasted until perfectly caramelized. Topped with a delightful maple walnut crunch, they make the perfect side dish for any holiday gathering! Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta for that extra creamy touch. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or simply want a cozy fall treat, this dish will surely become a family favorite.

3 medium sweet potatoes
⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
1.5 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tbsp
⅓ cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp thyme

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on baking tray and roast for 30 mins.
4. Add maple syrup mix and bake 10 mins.
5. Serve with feta.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 421 per serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, peel and cube 3 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
2. Create the Cinnamon Butter: In a large bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter, 1.5 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
3. Coat the Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated in the spiced butter.
4. First Roast: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, or until they are just beginning to become tender.
5. Add Maple & Walnuts: In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup maple syrup with ⅓ cup chopped walnuts and 1 tsp thyme. Remove the tray from the oven, pour the maple-walnut mixture over the potatoes, and toss gently to combine.
6. Final Roast: Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the maple syrup has caramelized.
7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle with an extra 2 tbsp of maple syrup. Transfer to a serving dish and top with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish complements many meals. For a holiday feast, serve alongside roast turkey or glazed ham. For a cozy vegetarian dinner, pair it with a hearty lentil loaf or stuffed acorn squash. The sweet and savory flavors also make it an excellent topping for a fall-inspired salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette.

How-to Summary

Cube sweet potatoes and toss with a cinnamon-butter blend. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes. Add a mix of maple syrup, walnuts, and thyme, then roast for 10 more minutes until caramelized. Finish with a maple drizzle and optional feta cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the potatoes through the first 30-minute stage. Cool, store covered in the fridge, and add the maple-walnut mix just before the final 10-15 minutes of reheating.

What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are excellent substitutes for a different crunch and flavor profile.

How do I prevent the potatoes from getting soggy?
Ensure your cubes are uniform, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and use parchment paper to prevent sticking without steaming.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free adaptable?
It is naturally gluten-free. For dairy-free, replace the butter with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use ⅓ tsp of dried thyme in the maple-walnut mix, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uneven Cubes: Cutting potatoes into different sizes leads to uneven cooking—some pieces will burn while others remain hard.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Spreading potatoes too close causes them to steam instead of roast, preventing proper caramelization.
• Adding Syrup Too Early: Adding the maple syrup at the start will cause it to burn in the high heat. Always add it in the last 10-15 minutes.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: The maple syrup creates a sticky glaze that can be difficult to clean off a bare baking sheet.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a celebration of fall flavors. The process is simple, yet the result—tender, caramelized potatoes with a sweet, nutty crunch—is impressively delicious. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a reliably perfect dish that will earn a permanent spot on your holiday table and weeknight rotation alike.