Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful combination of tender, spiced sweet potatoes topped with a rich, caramelized maple and walnut crunch. This dish is perfect as a comforting side or a cozy snack that brings warmth and sweetness to your table.

Ingredients

• 3 medium sweet potatoes
• ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds, leaving the skin on for texture or peeling for a smoother bite.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat every slice evenly. Alternatively, use a ziplock bag to shake and mix.
3. Step 3: Arrange the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray, spacing them out to ensure even roasting. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Step 4: While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl to prepare the topping.
5. Step 5: Remove the tray from the oven and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the walnut and maple mixture onto each sweet potato slice. Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes until the topping caramelizes and edges turn golden.
6. Step 6: Let the roasted sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving. For extra flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Leave the skins on sweet potatoes for added texture and nutrients, or peel them for a smoother finish.
• For a savory twist, substitute thyme with rosemary or sage.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
• Serve topped with crumbled feta or goat cheese for bright, tangy contrast.

Storage

Store leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 175°C (350°F) or in a microwave until warmed through. The topping may lose some crispness but will remain flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds work well as alternatives and add their unique crunch and flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?

No, peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling gives a smoother texture if preferred.

Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

These Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful fall-inspired side dish featuring tender sweet potato rounds roasted to caramelized perfection, topped with a crunchy maple-walnut mixture infused with warming cinnamon and fresh thyme. The combination of buttery sweetness and herbaceous notes makes them an irresistible complement to any meal.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 3 medium sweet potatoes
• ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Topping

• ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You can leave the skin on for added texture or peel it off for a smoother finish. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal it, and shake to combine.
3. Arrange for Roasting: Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Ensure there’s space between each slice to promote even browning. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of roasting. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, checking for fork tenderness as the baking time nears completion.
4. Prepare the Topping: While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This topping will add a caramelized crunch to your sweet potatoes.
5. Add the Topping: Remove the baking tray from the oven. Top each sweet potato slice with about 1 teaspoon of the walnut and maple mixture. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the topping caramelizes and the edges of the sweet potatoes turn golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve as is, or for an added layer of flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.

Notes

• You can leave the sweet potato skin on for added texture and nutrients or peel it off if you prefer a smoother bite.
• To ensure even roasting, avoid overcrowding the baking tray; space out the slices.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese after roasting for extra flavor.
• Use fresh thyme for the best herbal flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted if needed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Keywords: roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup, walnuts, cinnamon sweet potatoes, fall side dish, baked sweet potatoes, vegetable side