Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender roasted sweet potato rounds coated with melted butter and cinnamon, then topped with a caramelized maple syrup, walnut, and thyme mixture. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and crunchy nuts, this recipe is a delightful addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Topping
- ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You may leave the skin on for extra texture or peel it off for a smoother finish. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat them evenly. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal, and shake to combine thoroughly.
- Arrange for Roasting: Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray, leaving space between slices to ensure even roasting and browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork towards the end of cooking time.
- Prepare the Topping: While the potatoes roast, mix together the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This mixture will create a caramelized, crunchy topping.
- Add the Topping: Remove the baking tray from the oven, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the walnut-maple mixture onto each sweet potato slice. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the topping caramelizes and the sweet potato edges turn golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the roasted sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and contrast.
Notes
- Leaving the skin on the sweet potatoes adds texture and nutrients, but peeling them creates a smoother dish.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, though dried thyme can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- For a vegan version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and omit any optional cheese toppings.
- The topping can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, but add it fresh before the final baking step.
- Ensure slices are spaced out on the tray to avoid steaming and to promote caramelization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~150g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: sweet potato, roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup, walnuts, cinnamon, thyme, easy side dish, vegetarian
