These maple roasted sweet potatoes are super tasty and easy to make! Toss sweet potatoes with maple syrup, a little olive oil, and some spice, then roast them until golden.
They get so caramelized and yummy; you’ll want to eat the whole batch. I love serving them as a side dish or just snacking on them straight from the pan! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! You can use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for that classic flavor, but if unavailable, try purple or white sweet potatoes for a twist.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a deep sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, honey or agave syrup can work, but the flavor will change a little.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the sweet potatoes. If you prefer a different flavor, you can use avocado oil or even melted coconut oil.
Pecans: They add crunch and a nutty taste. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives!
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary brings a lovely aroma. Dried rosemary will also work, but use less—about one-third the amount, as it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Getting those sweet potatoes just right is key for this recipe. Here’s how to roast them perfectly:
- Start by cutting the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them can cause steaming instead of roasting!
- Stir them halfway through roasting to promote even caramelization on all sides.
- Look for a golden-brown color and softness when pierced with a fork—this means they’re done!
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully caramelized sweet potatoes bursting with flavor every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to roast in the oven. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to serving up this delightful side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly and getting that nice caramelization.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, pepper, ground cinnamon, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Mix well to ensure all the sweet potato cubes are evenly coated with the tasty mixture.
3. Arrange and Add Flavor:
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Next, sprinkle the pecan halves over the sweet potatoes and place the rosemary sprigs amongst the cubes to infuse flavor.
4. Roast to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stir the sweet potatoes halfway through so they cook evenly and get nicely caramelized on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and golden brown.
5. Final Touches:
Once the roasting is done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and take out the rosemary sprigs. Carefully transfer the roasted sweet potatoes and pecans to a serving dish.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright touch, and your sweet potatoes are ready to be served warm. Enjoy this delightful balance of sweetness and savory, perfect for any meal!
These maple roasted sweet potatoes are not only a great side for fall and holiday meals but are also delicious enough to be enjoyed anytime of the year!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Alongside Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can mix in other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added flavor and color. Just cut them to a similar size to ensure they roast evenly with the sweet potatoes.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan, as it uses maple syrup and olive oil for sweetness and richness! You can, however, swap the pecans for sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free while retaining crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the sweet potatoes and toss them in the maple mixture a few hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, spread them out on the baking sheet and roast as directed.
