Why Make This Recipe
Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. This dish not only tastes amazing but also brings a warmth and comfort to your meals. The sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, and when combined with maple syrup and crunchy walnuts, they create a delightful texture and flavor. It’s a great side dish for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.
How to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Directions:
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You can leave the skin on for added 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 of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each slice is coated. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal it, and shake to combine.
Arrange for Roasting
Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Make sure there’s space between each slice to promote even browning. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of roasting. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, checking for fork tenderness as the baking time nears completion.
Prepare the Topping
While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This topping will add a caramelized crunch to your sweet potatoes.
Add the Topping
Remove the baking tray from the oven. Top each sweet potato slice with about 1 teaspoon of the walnut and maple mixture. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the topping caramelizes and the edges of the sweet potatoes turn golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve as is, or for an added layer of flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
How to Serve Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are versatile and can be served alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a stand-alone dish. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad for a light meal.
How to Store Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
To store leftovers, let the sweet potatoes cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Ensure your sweet potatoes are evenly sized for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, try adding spices like nutmeg or allspice.
- If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix can kick up the flavor.
Variation
You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if you want a different nutty flavor. Also, adding a sprinkle of cheese, like goat cheese or feta, right before serving can enhance the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but the taste and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes provide a unique sweetness that regular potatoes do not.
2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and keep them seasoned in the fridge for a few hours before roasting. Just ensure to roast them fresh for the best taste.
3. What can I serve this dish with?
Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes go well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a part of a vegetarian meal. They also make a great addition to a holiday feast.
Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking
- Roast for 15 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the sweet potatoes.
- Return to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the walnuts are lightly toasted.
Serving
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish.