Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that turns simple sweet potatoes into a showstopper, you’re going to adore this Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how the warm spices mingle with the natural sweetness of the potato and that rich maple syrup drizzle—plus, the pecans add the perfect crunch. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday meal or just want a cozy side to brighten up dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to get these perfect every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The stars of this Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe are straightforward, but each plays an important role. When you pick your sweet potatoes, choose ones that are firm and without blemishes for the best texture after roasting.

• Sweet Potatoes: I prefer cutting them into half-inch thick rounds to get that perfect tender center with lightly crisped edges.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness precisely and adds richness.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice adds a cozy note that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
• Salt: Essential to balance and enhance the sweetness.
• Pepper: Just a hint to give a subtle kick to the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth that elevates the flavor profile effortlessly.
• Maple Syrup: Choose 100% pure for the best natural sweetness and lovely caramelization.
• Chopped Pecans: Look for fresh pecans because stale nuts can really dull this dish.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme introduces a lovely herbal note that rounds out the sweetness.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who’s at the table. Feel free to tweak this Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe to match your mood — that’s part of the fun!

• Spice It Up: When I want a little more warmth, I add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg — it really wakes up the flavors.
• Nut Substitutions: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or even toasted hazelnuts work wonderfully and add a new texture.
• Vegan Version: Swap melted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based twist without losing richness.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment with rosemary instead of thyme for a more piney aroma that’s perfect for holiday tables.

How to Make Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes Just Right

Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good wash. I usually keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients but peeling them is totally fine if that’s your preference. Slice into half-inch thick rounds—that thickness ensures the potatoes roast evenly, tender on the inside but firm enough to hold shape. Trust me, thinner slices can get mushy, and thicker ones might take forever to cook through.

Step 2: Season and Toss

In a large bowl—or better yet, a ziplock bag for easy clean-up—combine melted butter, cinnamon (use just 1 teaspoon now), salt, pepper, and paprika. Add your sweet potato slices and toss or shake until every slice is generously coated. This step is key to infusing all that warm flavor right into the potatoes.

Step 3: Roast to Perfect Tenderness

Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving a little wiggle room between each one. You want them to roast, not steam — so don’t overcrowd the pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 380°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until firm but tender when poked with a fork. Oven times can vary depending on your slices’ thickness, so keep an eye in the last few minutes.

Step 4: Mix Up That Amazing Maple Pecan Topping

While the potatoes roast, whisk together maple syrup, remaining cinnamon (0.5 teaspoons), chopped pecans, and thyme in a bowl. This luscious combo will become the caramelized, crunchy topping that pulls the dish together — and trust me, it’s the best part!

Step 5: Final Roast for Caramelized Perfection

Once the sweet potatoes are mostly cooked, carefully remove them from the oven. Spoon about a teaspoon of the maple pecan mixture onto each slice, spreading gently. Pop the tray back in and roast for another 8-10 minutes or until you see that lovely caramelization at the edges. This step gives the potatoes a beautiful glaze and that irresistible sweet crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

You can serve these pecan maple roasted sweet potatoes straight from the oven or add an extra touch with crumbled feta, which adds a tangy contrast that my family goes crazy for. Honestly, serving it warm and fresh is where this dish shines brightest.

How to Serve Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. The fresh herbs add brightness, while feta offers a salty tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness. Toasted coconut flakes can also be a fun, tropical twist.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside roasted turkey or chicken, but it also goes surprisingly well with simple green salads or grilled sausages. If you want to stretch it into a hearty meal, serve it with a protein like baked salmon or a lentil stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer the sweet potato rounds on a platter with dollops of maple pecan topping between layers, almost like a rustic gratin but without the fuss. Adding a scattering of pomegranate seeds or fresh herbs makes the presentation pop visually and adds a little zing in flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pecan maple roasted sweet potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

I haven’t had the best luck freezing this particular dish because the roasted texture and maple topping can get a bit mushy upon thawing. If you want to freeze, it’s better to freeze the roasted potatoes plain and add the maple pecan topping fresh after reheating.

Reheating

I always reheat these in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore their lovely roasted texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but often makes them softer than I like.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it elevated humble sweet potatoes to a dish everyone asked for seconds of. The balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy keeps me coming back to it season after season. I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — so grab those sweet potatoes, a bottle of good maple syrup, and let’s roast up something special together!

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