These maple roasted sweet potatoes are a cozy treat! They’re sweet, golden, and caramelized just right, bringing a smile to your face with every bite.
I love how easy they are to make—just toss with maple syrup and bake until tender. Perfect as a side dish or even a tasty snack on chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Make sure to choose firm and smooth ones. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, yams can work as a substitute, but the flavor will vary slightly.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for roasting because of its rich flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point or even coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a delicious sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, try honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives an earthy taste. If you only have dried rosemary on hand, use half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Thyme is another great herb to explore instead!
Cinnamon: This is optional, but I find it adds a lovely warmth. If you don’t have it, nutmeg or allspice could be tasty alternatives.
How Can I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Roasted?
Getting sweet potatoes to roast perfectly means paying attention to how they’re prepared and cooked. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even 1-inch cubes so they cook uniformly.
- Coat them evenly with oil and syrup to ensure every piece has that sweet flavor.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Crowding them can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning—this will help them caramelize beautifully.
Enjoy making these delightful maple roasted sweet potatoes! They’re a real crowd-pleaser any time of year.
How to Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pecan halves (optional, for garnish or roasting with the potatoes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to roast in the oven. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to create these delicious sweet potatoes, perfect for serving as a side dish or a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the sweet potatoes roast perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly grease it with oil.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes. These should be evenly cut to ensure they cook at the same rate.
3. Add the Flavors:
Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup over the sweet potatoes. Then, add the fresh rosemary, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mix will give your sweet potatoes a delicious, sweet-savory flavor.
4. Mix It Up:
Toss everything together gently until each sweet potato piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture. You want to make sure they are well-covered for maximum flavor!
5. Spread and Roast:
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes now. This will give them a nice crunch.
6. Roasting Time:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through to make sure they caramelize nicely on all sides and become tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are golden and tender, take the sweet potatoes out of the oven. Serve them warm as a delightful side dish or snack. Enjoy the lovely mix of sweet and savory with hints of rosemary and crunchy pecans!
These maple roasted sweet potatoes are perfect for any occasion—enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Besides Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that using honey will alter the taste slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No problem! Dried rosemary works just as well. Use half the amount, since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, thyme can be a lovely choice for a different herbaceous flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes and toss them with the seasoning the day before. Just store them in the fridge and roast them when you’re ready to enjoy!
