There's something wonderfully cozy and satisfying about this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. The natural sweetness of the potatoes gets a beautiful boost from maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon—making every bite a warm hug on your plate.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of my go-to sides during the cooler months, but honestly, it’s so good I make it year-round. The combination of maple and cinnamon feels festive without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and the roasting brings out a slight caramelization that’s just irresistible.
- Simplicity: You only need a handful of ingredients and one pan to get these from kitchen to table.
- Flavor Balance: The maple syrup adds sweetness while the cinnamon gives warmth and depth.
- Texture Magic: Crispy edges and tender insides make every bite delightful.
- Customizable: Garnish with candied nuts or swap in your favorite spices to suit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an important role in making this dish shine. Knowing why each item is there can help you tweak the recipe if you want to experiment or accommodate what you have on hand.
- Sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, unblemished ones; their natural sweetness and creamy texture roast beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup: The star sweetener that brings rich, caramel tones and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth, depth, and a touch of spice to round out the flavors.
- Chopped candied pecans or walnuts (optional): Offer a lovely crunch and extra sweetness as a garnish, making the dish even more special.
Make It Your Way
I love how forgiving the Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is when it comes to customization. Play around with spices or toppings to get it just right for you—after all, that’s part of the fun!
- Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick, which pairs surprisingly well with the sweet maple glaze.
- Dietary tweaks: To make this vegan, just ensure your candied nuts don’t contain honey or dairy-based ingredients.
- Seasonal change: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall, or try a hint of cayenne for some heat in the winter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F – this high heat is key for caramelization. Cut your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, so they cook evenly. Toss them with olive oil until every piece is coated, then spread them out in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd the pan; spacing the pieces gives you crispier edges.
Step 2: Mix and Drizzle the Maple Cinnamon Glaze
While the potatoes roast for 20 minutes, whisk together pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a bowl. When the timer goes off, pull the pan out of the oven and drizzle the glaze over the potatoes. Then, toss them gently to coat evenly. This step is what transforms simple roasted sweet potatoes into something truly special.
Step 3: Finish Roasting to Crisp Perfection
Return the potatoes to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, checking at the 5-minute mark. Stir them halfway through to ensure even cooking. This final roast caramelizes the sugars, caramel, and softens the potatoes’ interiors with crisp, golden edges.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once done, transfer your sweet potatoes to a serving bowl or platter. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with chopped candied pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and extra sweetness. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispness and warmth at their best.
Top Tip
Over the years, roasting sweet potatoes has become one of my favorite go-to techniques. I’ve learned a few little things that make the Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe shine — and I wanted to share those nuggets so you can avoid rookie mistakes.
- Cut evenly: Making sure all sweet potato cubes are the same size means they cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some mushy and some undercooked.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give them breathing room on the pan so they roast instead of steam.
- Watch the glaze time: Adding the maple cinnamon mixture after some roasting, rather than right away, prevents it from burning and keeps the flavor fresh.
- Check crispening frequently: Sweet potatoes can go from perfect to burnt quickly during those last few minutes, so keep an eye on them and stir halfway.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always add chopped candied pecans—it adds crunch and that little extra sweetness that feels indulgent without being heavy. Sometimes I swap in fresh herbs like a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary when I want a bit more earthiness. You could also try a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork, but it’s also fantastic alongside a hearty grain bowl or even a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. I also love serving it at holiday dinners because the flavors feel right at home with turkey and cranberry sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea I tried for a dinner party was serving the maple roasted sweet potatoes in mini cast iron skillets with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds on top for a pop of color and freshness. They also look lovely scooped onto colorful platters with fresh herbs and nuts making it feel vibrant and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing or you might end up with soggier potatoes.
Freezing
Freezing doesn’t always preserve that crispy edge, so I recommend freezing only if you’re planning to use the sweet potatoes in soups or mash later. Flash-freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to avoid clumping.
Reheating
To bring leftover maple roasted sweet potatoes back to life, I like reheating them in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This method helps crisp up the edges again, unlike microwaving which can make them a bit mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Most varieties of sweet potatoes will work well. Just be aware that some are moister or starchier than others, which may affect roasting time and texture slightly.
You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but pure maple syrup gives the best authentic flavor and caramelization in this recipe.
Absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes up to a day ahead and reheat in the oven before serving. Garnish right before serving for the best crunch on the nuts.
Not at all. The cinnamon is used sparingly here to enhance the maple sweetness without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place on my table because it’s comfort food with a little bit of elegance. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight side or planning a festive feast, these sweet potatoes bring vibrant flavor and a touch of warmth to every bite. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I enjoy sharing the recipe with you—give it a try next time you want something cozy and sweet with a kick of autumnal charm.
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Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet and tender maple roasted sweet potatoes infused with cinnamon and topped with optional candied nuts for a perfect side dish that combines natural sweetness and warm spices.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish
- Chopped candied pecans or candied walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until all cubes are well coated. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt.
- Initial roasting: Put the baking sheet in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes to begin softening and browning them.
- Mix maple cinnamon glaze: While the potatoes roast, combine the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring until well blended.
- Apply glaze and continue roasting: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the maple cinnamon mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly and spread them back into an even layer on the pan.
- Final roasting: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Check the texture at around 5 minutes to achieve your preferred crispiness.
- Serve and garnish: Once done, transfer the maple roasted sweet potatoes to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with chopped candied pecans or walnuts if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Maple syrup and cinnamon combine beautifully to add a warm, natural sweetness to the potatoes.
- You can omit the candied nuts for a nut-free recipe or use toasted nuts instead for extra crunch.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are spread in a single layer to roast evenly and get crispy edges.
- Check the potatoes towards the end of roasting to avoid burning the maple syrup glaze.
- This dish makes a wonderful side for roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 271 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg

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