Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate side dish to elevate your holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners. This delightful combination of roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and pecans delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, these maple-pecan roasted sweet potatoes are sure to impress your guests. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through how to create this dish that’s not only tasty but also naturally gluten-free and adaptable to vegan diets.
Jump to
Why You’ll Love Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes offer a wonderful array of flavors and textures that make them a standout dish. The tender sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes is perfectly complemented by the rich, caramel-like flavor of maple syrup. The addition of pecans brings a satisfying crunch, while the cinnamon and a hint of salt round out the dish.
Moreover, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, which support immune health and promote good digestion. Pecans, on the other hand, provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making this dish both indulgent and nourishing.
Whether you’re a health-conscious eater, a busy parent, or someone who enjoys preparing crowd-pleasing dishes, these maple-pecan roasted sweet potatoes will quickly become a go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes – 4 medium-sized, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Maple Syrup – 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon – 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon to add warmth and spice.
- Pecans – 1 cup of chopped pecans for crunch and flavor.
- Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons to coat the sweet potatoes for roasting.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon to enhance all the flavors.
Optional Add-ins: You can also experiment with coconut sugar or brown sugar for added sweetness or a splash of vanilla extract for a hint of fragrance.
How to Make Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate.
Season the Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt until they are evenly coated. The cinnamon will give them a lovely warm aroma as they roast.
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should be tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Prepare Pecans
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, chop the pecans into smaller pieces and set them aside.
Combine Pecans with Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting and have reached a nice golden-brown color, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top and gently toss everything together to combine the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish, and you’re ready to enjoy your Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes!
Tips for Success
To ensure that your Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes turn out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:
- Uniform Sizing: Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Watch the Pecans: Pecans can burn easily, so it’s best to add them during the last 10 minutes of roasting to ensure they toast but don’t overcook.
- Flavor Variations: If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat or a splash of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time by cutting them and storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply roast them and add the pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. They make a fantastic side dish to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian entrée like stuffed squash.
For a complete holiday meal, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, or a fresh green salad to balance out the sweetness of the potatoes. This dish also makes a great addition to a Thanksgiving feast, where it complements other sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans.
Additionally, if you have any leftovers, this dish works wonderfully as a topping for a breakfast hash or can be added to a salad for a quick, nutritious meal the next day.
For another delicious way to enjoy potatoes, check out our easy crispy breakfast potatoes recipe. You can also pair your roasted sweet potatoes with these savory crescent roll breakfast recipes. For a fun twist, try our easy cheesy breakfast pizza recipe as a side dish.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1/8 of the recipe):
- Calories: 198 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, while pecans provide healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein, making this dish a nutrient-packed addition to any meal.
FAQs
Yes, yams can be substituted, though they tend to be starchier and less sweet than sweet potatoes. Keep that in mind when adjusting the seasonings.
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Store any leftover Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their texture.
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes (before adding the pecans). When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and then add the pecans.
Related recipes
Print
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Description
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate side dish to elevate your holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners. This delightful combination of roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and pecans delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, these maple-pecan roasted sweet potatoes are sure to impress your guests. They are naturally gluten-free and adaptable to vegan diets.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: coconut sugar, brown sugar, or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- Toss sweet potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread sweet potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender and caramelized.
- While roasting, chop the pecans and set aside.
- Once sweet potatoes are golden-brown, remove from oven and sprinkle pecans over the top. Toss everything together.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure to cut sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Pecans can burn easily, so add them during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Final thoughts
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a unique flavor combination that will be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or preparing a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and a little preparation, you can enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Give this recipe a try and discover why it’s a favorite among those who love both savory and sweet side dishes.
Follow us for more drool-worthy comfort food on Pinterest and join the conversation on Facebook.