Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweet and savory, with a comforting fall-inspired flavor
Simple to make with just a few ingredients
Perfect balance of roasted sweetness from the potatoes and caramelized maple syrup
A healthy, nutrient-packed side dish
Versatile and easily customizable with herbs and spices

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
3 tablespoons maple syrup (preferably pure maple syrup)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the sweet potatoes, and toss them to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper over the potatoes, then toss again to evenly distribute the spices.
Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly golden on the edges, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup over the top. Toss gently to coat and caramelize the potatoes with the syrup.
Return the sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the maple syrup to soak in and caramelize slightly.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people as a side dish
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can be added to the sweet potatoes for an added crunch and flavor.
Spicy kick: For a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper over the potatoes before roasting.
Citrus twist: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice along with the maple syrup for a bright, citrusy note.
Herb variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for an earthy aroma.
Toppings: For extra richness, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of goat cheese.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them with the maple syrup just before serving.

Can I use brown sugar instead of maple syrup?

You can, but the flavor will be different. Maple syrup adds a unique depth of flavor and caramelization, so if you use brown sugar, consider adding a bit of vanilla or maple extract for similar taste.

Can I use baby sweet potatoes or another variety?

Yes, baby sweet potatoes or even other varieties, such as garnet or jewel yams, will work perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time if the potatoes are smaller.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and have slightly browned edges. You can check by piercing a piece with a fork or knife—if it slides in easily, they are ready.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply use olive oil instead of butter to make this dish vegan. The maple syrup adds enough sweetness and richness on its own.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, parsnips, or even brussels sprouts would pair nicely with sweet potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re adding other vegetables.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can sprinkle chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes over the potatoes before roasting for a sweet and spicy kick.

What kind of maple syrup should I use?

It’s best to use pure maple syrup rather than imitation maple syrup for the best flavor and quality.

Conclusion

Sweet Potatoes with Maple is a warm, comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the deep, caramelized flavor of maple syrup. It’s simple to make and can be customized with various spices, herbs, and add-ins to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or as a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Sweet Potatoes with Maple

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Sweet Potatoes with Maple combines roasted sweet potatoes with the rich, caramelized flavor of maple syrup. This comforting side dish is perfect for fall and pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 people
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
3 tablespoons maple syrup (preferably pure maple syrup)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the sweet potatoes, and toss them to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper over the potatoes, then toss again to evenly distribute the spices.
Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly golden on the edges, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup over the top. Toss gently to coat and caramelize the potatoes with the syrup.
Return the sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the maple syrup to soak in and caramelize slightly.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For added texture, you can top with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
Substitute maple syrup with brown sugar for a different flavor, but consider adding vanilla or maple extract for a similar depth of flavor.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time by roasting the sweet potatoes and adding the maple syrup just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg