Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe – A Delicious and Healthy
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a perfect combination of natural sweetness, caramelized edges, and warm spices. This dish is simple to prepare, packed with nutrients, and makes for a fantastic side dish for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. The rich, natural flavors of sweet potatoes blend beautifully with the deep, earthy sweetness of maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your meal or a comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Nutrition & Instructions
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Active Time: 35 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisines: American
- Course: Side Dish
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for a savory touch)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil (or melted butter), cinnamon, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss until they are well-coated with the maple syrup mixture.
- Spread on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. This allows them to roast evenly and get a nice caramelized texture.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through. The edges should be golden brown and slightly crispy when done.
- Optional – Add Nuts: If using pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of roasting for a toasty crunch.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy! Serve warm as a side dish with roasted meats, grain bowls, or salads.
Tips for the Best Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, fresh sweet potatoes without any soft spots or blemishes.
- Even Sizing Matters: Cutting the potatoes into uniform cubes ensures they cook evenly.
- Use High-Quality Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds the best flavor without any artificial aftertaste.
- Enhance the Flavors: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy-sweet contrast or toss in some dried cranberries for a hint of tartness.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Variations
- Savory Twist: Skip the cinnamon and maple syrup, and season with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey and a dash of cayenne or chili powder for a bold kick.
- Herb-Infused: Toss in some fresh rosemary or sage before roasting for an aromatic depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is not just an easy-to-make dish but also a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, combined with the deep caramelized flavor of maple syrup and warm spices, creates a side dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. Whether for a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, these roasted sweet potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.