Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
