Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to your table. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with rich maple syrup and crunchy pecans, creating a dish that’s both tasty and comforting. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any night when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients. Second, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients, making this dish a healthy option. Third, the combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and pecans adds a delicious flavor that everyone will love. Finally, it can be made ahead of time and reheated, making meal prep easy and stress-free.
How to Make Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until they are well coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for 25–30 minutes, tossing them once halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast them for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar and a splash of maple syrup to the pecans. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens and the pecans become glossy. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, transfer them to a serving dish and top them with the warm maple-pecan mixture. Serve warm.
How to Serve Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Serve these sweet potatoes as a side dish during dinner. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, stews, or even as a vegetarian option at a holiday table. Their sweet and nutty flavors can complement many savory dishes.
How to Store Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
If you have leftovers, store the sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. The pecan topping can be stored separately and added just before serving for optimal crunch.
Tips to Make Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into even 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary to the mixture.
- Keep an eye on the pecans while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. For a touch of spice, try adding a little cayenne pepper or paprika to the sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Canned sweet potatoes can be too soft for roasting.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and pecans in advance. Just reheat them before serving.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly.
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes Ensure even 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Can be replaced with a plant-based alternative for vegan option.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup Make sure it's pure and vegan-friendly if desired.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped Toast them for added flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
Preparation and Roasting
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until well coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for 25–30 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Preparing Pecan Topping
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans and toast for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar and a splash of maple syrup to the pecans. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens and the pecans become glossy. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Serving
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, transfer them to a serving dish and top with the warm maple-pecan mixture. Serve warm.