Indulge in these maple-cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes, where sweet and savory harmonize beautifully. The roasting process enhances their inherent sweetness, while the fragrant notes of cinnamon and thyme, along with a drizzle of maple syrup, introduce a delightful complexity. Topped with crunchy chopped walnuts, this dish becomes an ideal companion for autumn celebrations, festive holiday meals, or a comforting side dish for any dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus 2 tablespoons for drizzling
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or alternatively, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cover a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper to simplify the cleanup process.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Season and Toss
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup of maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss until the potatoes are well coated with the buttery maple mixture.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Spread the sweet potatoes out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Roast for 25 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and give the potatoes a gentle toss.
- Add Walnuts and Finish Roasting
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the sweet potatoes and return the baking sheet to the oven.
- Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized and the walnuts are toasted.
- Add a Maple Drizzle and Garnish
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, adding a fragrant and earthy note to the dish.
- Serve Warm
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy this warm, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses.
Conclusion
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts and Thyme is a crowd-pleasing dish that captures the essence of cozy, comforting flavors. The tender, caramelized sweet potatoes combined with the crunch of walnuts and a hint of thyme create a perfect balance that’s sure to impress. Ideal for festive meals or anytime you crave a touch of seasonal flavor, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious.