If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both cozy and a little special, this Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by maple syrup and toasted pecans, making it a perfect Thanksgiving addition or a comforting weeknight treat. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it all year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The warm cinnamon and thyme blend beautifully with sweet maple and crunchy pecans.
- Easy to make: With simple steps and common pantry ingredients, it’s a no-fuss side dish.
- Versatile for occasions: This recipe works well for holiday dinners or casual family meals.
- Crowd-pleaser: My family goes crazy for this – the caramelized edges are addictive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to highlight the sweet and nutty flavors. When shopping, I always pick sweet potatoes that are firm with smooth skin, and fresh pecans for the best crunch.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose ones that are firm and medium-sized for even roasting and easy slicing.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness exactly how you like it.
- Cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon really makes a difference, giving a warm depth to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note without overpowering the sweet potatoes.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key – it caramelizes beautifully and pairs perfectly with the pecans.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch and that irresistible nutty touch.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds a lovely herbal brightness to the sweet potatoes.
Variations
I like to switch things up a bit depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize this Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
- Add Spice: When I want a little heat, I sprinkle a pinch of cayenne powder along with the paprika – it gives a subtle kick that pairs nicely with the sweetness.
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and you’re set for a dairy-free version that’s just as tasty.
- Use Different Nuts: Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or toasted almonds – they add a slightly different crunch but still work great.
- Herb Swap: Fresh rosemary instead of thyme creates a piney, fragrant twist I really enjoy around the holidays.
How to Make Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes Just Right
Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good wash, then slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. I usually keep the skin on because it adds a nice texture and extra nutrients, but peeling is totally fine if you prefer it skinless. The key is even thickness for consistent roasting, so try to keep those rounds uniform.
Step 2: Mix Your Flavors Together
In a large bowl or even a ziplock bag, toss the sliced sweet potatoes with melted unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, paprika, and pepper. I love using the ziplock technique—it’s less messy and every slice gets coated evenly. Once coated, arrange the slices on a baking tray in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded; otherwise, they’ll steam instead of browning beautifully.
Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Golden
Bake the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 380°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape—testing with a fork helps. Oven times can vary depending on slice thickness, so just keep an eye out for that perfect tender, lightly browned edge.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple Pecan Topping
While your sweet potatoes roast, combine the maple syrup, chopped pecans, the remaining cinnamon, and thyme in a small bowl. This mixture is where the magic happens with that sticky, sweet, nutty goodness that caramelizes on top later.
Step 5: Top and Finish Roasting
Once the potatoes are out of the oven, spoon about one teaspoon of the maple pecan mixture onto each slice. Pop them back in for another 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are caramelized and the pecans are toasted and glossy—just the kind of thing that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Pro Tips for Making Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Even Slicing is Key: I found that using a mandoline or a sharp knife helps keep slices consistent, so they roast evenly without some burning while others stay undercooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: One mistake I made early on was crowding the pan—sweet potatoes steamed instead of crisping up, so give them space to brown.
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: Artificial syrups don’t caramelize the same way, so splurge a bit for that authentic sweet finish.
- Add Pecans Last: Adding the nuts too early causes them to burn, so wait until the final bake to achieve that perfect toasted crunch.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a tangy contrast, or even a small handful of fresh parsley to brighten things up. Sometimes a dash of flaky sea salt on top right before serving adds that little savory crunch I crave alongside the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This goes amazingly well with roasted turkey or chicken, but I also like pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic sautéed greens for a balanced meal. If you’re making this for a holiday, it’s a fantastic complement to mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try arranging the sweet potato slices overlapping on a rustic wooden platter, then drizzle any extra maple syrup-pecan sauce over the top for a stunning look. I’ve also served them in small ramekins for individual portions that feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sweet potatoes keep their flavor but sometimes lose a bit of their crispy edge, which can be easily restored with a quick re-crisp in the oven.
Freezing
Freezing roasted sweet potatoes is possible, but I’ve noticed the texture changes slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze this Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe, flash freeze the slices on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container—best to reheat in the oven rather than microwave for texture.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the edges a bit crisp and melts any maple syrup topping back into a lovely glaze. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you lose some of that roasted charm.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any variety of sweet potato will work, though the classic orange-fleshed ones tend to caramelize nicely and have that familiar sweet flavor. Just adjust roasting time slightly if your potatoes are thicker or denser.
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Is it okay to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, peeling is optional depending on your preference. I like the extra texture and nutrients the skin provides, but if you want a smoother texture or have kids who prefer no skin, peeling works fine.
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Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your maple syrup and spices don’t contain any additives with gluten. Always check labels if you have celiac disease or severe sensitivities.
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How do I avoid my sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Make sure to slice evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan, which traps steam. Roasting at a higher temperature and turning slices halfway helps develop that lovely tender but firm texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe finds a spot in your kitchen rotation because it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and comforting. I discovered this trick for roasting sweet potatoes with a sticky, nutty glaze a few years back, and it instantly became a favorite for holiday dinners and weeknight sides alike. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the beautiful balance of flavors, and I guarantee your family will be asking for seconds before you know it!
Print
Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and festive side dish with these Thanksgiving Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are sliced, seasoned with warm spices, baked to tender perfection, and topped with a luscious maple syrup and pecan mixture for a caramelized finish that’s perfect for any holiday table.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Preparation
- 2 large Sweet Potatoes
Seasoning and Baking
- ⅓ cup Melted Unsalted Butter
- 1.5 teaspoon Cinnamon (divided: 1 tsp for potatoes, 0.5 tsp for topping)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Topping
- ⅓ cup Maple syrup + 2 tablespoons (total ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp)
- ⅓ cup Chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Clean and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You may keep the skin on or peel them based on preference.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 380°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting.
- Season Potatoes: In a bowl or a ziplock bag, combine the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, paprika, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or shake if using a bag to ensure all slices are evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Tray: Place the slices in a single layer on a baking tray, leaving a little space between each to allow for proper roasting and prevent steaming.
- First Bake: Bake the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes at 380°F (200°C), checking for tenderness and firmness. Baking time may vary slightly depending on slice thickness.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: While the potatoes bake, mix maple syrup, chopped pecans, the remaining 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon, and thyme in a small bowl.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Remove the tray from the oven, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple pecan mixture onto each sweet potato slice evenly. Place the tray back into the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the edges caramelize.
- Serve: Serve warm, either on its own or garnished with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Notes
- For best caramelization, avoid overcrowding the baking tray. Proper spacing helps the sweet potatoes brown instead of steam.
- Slicing thickness affects baking time; adjust accordingly to achieve tenderness without overcooking.
- You can keep or peel the sweet potato skins based on your texture preference.
- Feta cheese makes a great savory garnish to contrast the sweetness.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
