Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Delight in the cozy flavors of Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes, a perfect side dish combining tender sweet potatoes glazed in maple syrup and butter, roasted to caramelized perfection with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme for a touch of earthiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes and Glaze
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes and walnuts. Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Roughly chop the walnuts to release their flavor during roasting.
- Make the glaze. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined for a fragrant glaze.
- Coat the sweet potatoes. Add the cubed sweet potatoes into the glaze mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Roast the sweet potatoes initially. Spread the glazed sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes to start caramelizing.
- Add walnuts and cinnamon. Carefully remove the trays, sprinkle the chopped walnuts and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of cinnamon evenly over the sweet potatoes, then stir gently to combine for added crunch and aroma.
- Finish roasting. Return the trays to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown with caramelized edges. Stir once halfway through this time for even browning.
- Serve with fresh thyme. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose firm sweet potatoes without soft spots for even roasting.
- Ensure sweet potato cubes are uniform to cook evenly.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Stir halfway through the final roasting to promote even caramelization.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding if desired.
- Fresh thyme garnish provides a subtle herbal contrast but can be substituted with rosemary or sage.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or vegetarian main courses.
