Name: Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 4 tablespoons honey; 1/3 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 61 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet warmth with a hint of spice, this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender, caramelized sweet potatoes coated in buttery cinnamon, enriched by the natural sweetness of maple syrup and honey, and accented with crunchy pecans and fresh thyme. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe offers a comforting yet sophisticated side that’s both simple and irresistibly flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows natural sweet potatoes with pinkish-brown skin placed on a rustic light brown surface, surrounded by small clear glass bowls containing golden syrup, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, a white bowl filled with pale yellow butter cubes, and fresh green thyme sprigs arranged loosely nearby. The elements are spread out neatly in a flat lay style on a rustic textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Every element, from the earthy sweet potatoes to the aromatic spices, works together to make this dish truly shine.

Sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, peeled and sliced for even roasting and a tender bite.
Unsalted butter: Melted to coat the potatoes, adding richness and helping the spices adhere.
Cinnamon: Ground into the butter mixture, providing warm, sweet spice that complements the potatoes beautifully.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth that enhances the overall spice profile.
Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors in the dish.
Pure maple syrup: Deeply sweet and floral, it helps create caramelized, golden edges.
Honey: Adds sticky sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the syrup for a luscious topping.
Chopped pecans: Provide a fantastic crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft potatoes.
Fresh thyme: Finely chopped to introduce a herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling three medium sweet potatoes and cutting them into half-inch thick rounds. This size ensures each slice will cook evenly and become tender without falling apart. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for roasting.

Step 2: Coat with Butter and Spices

In a bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of salt. Toss the sweet potato rounds thoroughly in this fragrant mixture, making sure every piece is well-coated. This step is crucial because the butter helps carry the cinnamon’s warm flavor while promoting a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Arrange the coated slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each to prevent steaming. Roasting requires about 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and develop those gorgeous browned edges that mean flavor!

Step 4: Prepare the Maple-Pecan Topping

While the potatoes roast, combine the maple syrup, honey, chopped pecans, nutmeg, the remaining cinnamon, and finely chopped fresh thyme in a bowl. This topping adds the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and herbal notes, making this recipe uniquely delightful.

Step 5: Add Topping and Finish Roasting

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the baking sheet and top each slice with about a teaspoon of the maple and pecan mixture. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the topping to caramelize beautifully and the sweet potatoes to develop those mouthwatering edges.

How to Serve Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

A close-up view of round orange slices arranged on a white marbled surface, each piece showing a slightly crispy texture with sugar crystals sprinkled on top. A spoon above the slices is pouring a glossy, thick brown syrup filled with small pieces of chopped nuts, creating a shiny coating over the orange slice below. The syrup catches the light, enhancing the richness and texture of the nuts and liquid flowing over the slice, with soft focus on the background slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This dish is inviting on its own, but you can elevate it by sprinkling crumbled feta or goat cheese on top just before serving. The tangy creaminess provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, spiced potatoes, turning a simple side into something special.

Side Dishes

These roasted sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or pork, and they complement green vegetable sides like sautéed kale or steamed broccoli. Their warmth and richness bring balance and a sweet note to savory main courses.

Creative Ways to Present

For a creative twist, serve the sweet potatoes layered in a shallow casserole dish topped with extra pecans and fresh thyme sprigs for a rustic presentation. You can also transform them into a festive salad by tossing with arugula and a light vinaigrette for a fresh take on this classic dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from the Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or enjoying a quick side throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dish, place the cooked sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to three months. Freezing works best without the pecan topping, so add that fresh when reheating to maintain crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp around the edges again. This revives their fresh roasted texture and caramelized flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes are best for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen sweet potatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be aware that frozen sweet potatoes might release more moisture and require adjusting roasting time slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine to keep that rich coating without dairy. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Can I adjust the sweetness in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to tweak the amounts of maple syrup and honey. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly or skip it altogether—it will still taste incredible with the cinnamon and butter.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that provide crunch and a nutty flavor. Toasting them lightly before mixing them in can bring out extra fragrance and texture.

How do I make sure the sweet potatoes don’t become mushy?

To avoid mushiness, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch slices and space them apart on the baking sheet to encourage roasting rather than steaming. Also, monitor the baking time closely to achieve tender but firm potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s warm, sweet, and spiced just right—perfect for cozy gatherings or brightening up your dinner table any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to enjoy making and sharing this beloved recipe as much as I do!