Sweet, caramelized, and full of cozy fall flavor, these maple roasted sweet potatoes are the kind of side dish that makes your meal feel extra special. Tossed with maple syrup, a touch of spice, and roasted until perfectly golden, they're simple enough for weeknight dinners but also fancy enough to add to your Thanksgiving or holiday table. Every bite is tender on the inside, crisp on the edges, and packed with that sweet-and-savory deliciousness everyone loves.
Why This is the Best Recipe for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
There are so many reasons this easy side dish will be a favorite at your table. Here are just a few:
Simple ingredients. You only need a handful of pantry staples plus sweet potatoes to make this dish, and the flavor payoff is huge.
Easy to make. Chop, toss, roast, stir, and done! The oven does most of the work, leaving you more time to focus on the rest of your meal.
Mix of textures. This dish features tender diced sweet potatoes sprinkled with crunchy pecans.
Sweet and savory flavor combo. The natural sweetness of the potatoes and maple syrup pairs beautifully with warm spices, pecans, and a little salt for balance.
Carmelized goodness. Caramelizing shallots brings out their natural sweetness, while the balsamic vinegar adds the perfect amount of tangy flavors and a balance of tastes. They can be served with or without the shallots (but you really should include them!).
Perfect for any occasion. These maple roasted sweet potatoes are just as at home on a weeknight dinner plate as they are on a holiday table next to the turkey and stuffing.
Crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding kids, friends, or picky relatives, this is one of those sides that everyone loves going back for seconds of.
Fall flavors. Sweet potatoes are sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, and spiced with cinnamon. All the classic flavorings of fall.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Dish
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a part in creating that irresistible sweet-and-savory flavor combo. Here's a quick look at what goes in:
- Sweet potatoes - the star of the show! Get long, thin ones because they are easier to cut.
- Maple syrup - adds rich sweetness and helps the potatoes caramelize beautifully. Real maple syrup is best.
- Olive oil - gives the potatoes crisp edges and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Salt and pepper - simple seasonings that balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Pecans - add a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft roasted potatoes.
- Cinnamon - warm spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Brown sugar - just a little extra sweetness to coat the pecans and help them toast.
- Shallots - they caramelize into golden perfection, adding a savory, slightly sweet flavor that takes this dish over the top.
- Balsamic vinegar - a tangy touch that balances the sweetness with a little depth.
Best Sweet Potatoes to Use
Not all sweet potatoes are exactly the same, and the type you use can change the texture and flavor of this dish. Here are some common varieties and what they bring to the table:
- Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Beauregard or Jewel). These are the most common and what you'll usually find at the grocery store. They're moist, sweet, and perfect for roasting.
- Garnet sweet potatoes. Deep orange flesh and a slightly richer flavor make them great for a caramelized, almost candy-like result.
- Covington sweet potatoes. A little less sweet than Garnet or Jewel, with a creamier texture once roasted.
- Japanese sweet potatoes. With their purple skin and pale yellow interior, they're slightly drier and more starchy, giving you crispier edges when roasted.
- Hannah sweet potatoes. These have light tan skin and off-white flesh. They're mild in flavor and not as sweet, which can be a nice contrast with the maple syrup.
Any of these will work beautifully, so pick what you can find or try a mix for fun variety in both taste and color!
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup and Pecans
This dish is simple to put together, and the oven does most of the work. Here's how it comes together step by step:
- Place chopped sweet potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Pour olive oil over the potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to combine making sure all the potatoes are well covered.
- In a small bowl, place pecans and pour in cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Mix well.
- Add the pecans to the maple-coated sweet potatoes and toss.
- Place the mixture on a baking sheet with sides that have been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a medium skillet with olive oil and add shallots.
- Saute for 10 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
- Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and balsamic vinegar,
- Stir and continue to saute until shallots are caramelized and golden brown. It usually takes about 5-8 minutes.
- Keep warm until potatoes are done then add to potatoes.
- Stir and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips for Success
Getting these maple roasted sweet potatoes just right is all about the little details. Here are some simple tricks that make a big difference:
- Cut evenly. Make sure your sweet potato cubes are about the same size. This way, they'll roast evenly, and you won't end up with some mushy pieces and some underdone ones.
- Don't skip the parchment paper. Lining your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze and also helps prevent sticking so those caramelized edges stay on the potatoes and not the pan.
- Flip halfway through. Give the potatoes a stir or flip midway so they roast evenly on all sides and get that irresistible golden color.
- Space them out. Crowding the pan makes them steam instead of roast. Use two pans if you need to. Crispy edges are worth the extra sheet pan.
- Make-ahead friendly. If you're prepping for a holiday meal, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge, then drain and pat dry before roasting.
- Test for doneness. When sweet potatoes are done, they should be tender, and there's no resistance when pierced with a fork.
- Play with spices. Cinnamon, smoked paprika, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne can give your sweet potatoes a fun flavor twist.
Roasting Sweet Potatoes at a Lower Temperature
If you need to roast the sweet potatoes in the oven with other dishes at 350°F, you'll need to cook them longer, about 20 minutes. Remember to stir them every 20 minutes and check for doneness.
What to Serve with Maple Sweet Potatoes
These maple roasted sweet potatoes are so versatile that they fit in with just about any meal. Whether you're making an everyday dinner or planning a holiday spread, here are some tasty ideas to pair them with:
Roast turkey - The natural sweetness of the potatoes is a perfect match for classic Thanksgiving turkey with gravy.
Glazed ham - Holiday ham and maple sweet potatoes are a sweet-and-savory combo that always wins.
Pork tenderloin - Juicy, savory pork and caramelized sweet potatoes balance each other beautifully.
Roast chicken. Keep it simple with a crispy air-fried whole chicken or even a rotisserie chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.
Salmon. The rich, buttery flavor of this air fryer salmon pairs so well with the maple and spice in the sweet potatoes.
Beef. A juicy grilled filet mignon steak, grilled London Broil, or standing rib roast with roasted sweet potatoes on the side is comfort food at its best.
What to do with leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), here are some delicious ways to give them new life:
Breakfast hash. Chop them up and toss into a skillet with onions, peppers, and eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Tacos. Warm the potatoes and tuck them into tortillas with black beans, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese for quick veggie tacos.
Salads. Add cold or reheated cubes to a bed of spinach or arugula with dried cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans for a fall-inspired salad.
Grain bowls. Mix them with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini or balsamic glaze for an easy lunch.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place roasted sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
That's up to you! Peeling gives a softer texture, but leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients, and gives the dish a slightly earthier flavor.
Fresh is best for caramelization, but if frozen cubed sweet potatoes are all you have, they'll work too. Just know they may come out softer and less caramelized.
Slice the sweet potato in half lengthwise. Cut the halves lengthwise into strips. Rotate and cut the strips into cubes.
No, pre-cooking (par-boiling) is not necessary for roasting sweet potatoes.
Yes! You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day ahead and keep them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge. Just drain and pat dry before roasting. You can also roast them a few hours early and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
More Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes
Whether it's a cozy fall dinner or a big holiday feast, sweet potatoes always seem to steal the show. If you're looking for more tasty ways to enjoy them, here are some favorites to try:
Air Fryer Spicy Sweet Potato Fries - crispy fries with a little kick, perfect for snacking or as a fun side.
Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup - creamy, cozy, and full of fall flavors.
Sweet Potato Casserole - a holiday favorite topped with crunchy pecans.
Sweet Potato Muffins with Streusel Topping - soft, tender, and spiced just right for fall mornings.
Sweet Potato Puffs - bite-sized little clouds of sweet potato goodness.
Find even more of the best fall recipes here on 2CM!
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with pecans
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 Tablespoons extra light olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 3 large shallots, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with sides with non-stick spray.
- Place cut sweet potatoes in large bowl. Combine 2 tablespoons each maple syrup and olive oil and drizzle over potatoes. Season them with salt & pepper to taste.
- Toss nuts with cinnamon and sugar to coat then add to sweet potatoes. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread into single layer.
- Bake 30 minutes, turning half way through, until soft and slightly caramelized.
- While potatoes are baking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and shallots in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté until slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add remaining tablespoon of syrup and tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Continue to sauté until caramelized and golden brown, about another 5-8 minutes.
- Keep warm until potatoes are done.
- Pour potatoes into serving bowl and add caramelized shallots. Stir.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Are Roasted Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Sweet potatoes are one of the most important types of superfoods that you should incorporate into your diet.
They are full of Vitamins C and D and antioxidants, important to your immune system, high in iron that aids in metabolizing protein for energy and packed with magnesium for regulating stress levels.
Their sweetness is derived from natural sugars released slowly into the bloodstream helping to regulate blood sugar spikes that may lead to weight gain.
What more could you want? Oh, and they taste terrific!
This post has been updated with new photos and step-by-step instructions. It was first published on April 15, 2015.
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