Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously tender and flavorful side dish combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the rich, warm sweetness of pure maple syrup and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for family dinners and holiday feasts, offering a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and savory flavors that are both comforting and exciting.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium firm sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into 1-inch cubes
Maple Syrup & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Nuts
- Prep Your Sweet Potatoes: Begin by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes if you prefer. Then cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces, so they roast evenly and develop that perfect softness inside with slightly crisp edges.
- Toss with Maple and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly, making sure each piece is coated with the flavorful mixture to guarantee a lovely caramelized finish.
- Roast Until Golden and Tender: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Add Toasted Pecans: While the potatoes roast, toast the pecans in a dry skillet, stirring frequently over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat to cool. Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top for that irresistible crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes to a serving dish and, if you like, drizzle a little extra maple syrup for a glossy finish. Serve warm and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Notes
- Uniform cuts: Cut sweet potatoes into similar sizes to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the sweet potatoes space on the baking sheet to roast rather than steam.
- Toast pecans just right: Keep an eye on the nuts when toasting; they can burn quickly but add so much flavor when golden.
- Use fresh maple syrup: Pure syrup improves taste and caramelization versus artificial sweeteners.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish cool for a few minutes after roasting to let flavors meld perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: maple pecan roasted sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup sweet potatoes, pecan side dish, fall side dish, holiday side dish, gluten free side