Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously spiced and sweet side dish featuring tender roasted sweet potato slices topped with a caramelized walnut and maple syrup mixture. Enhanced with cinnamon and thyme, this recipe balances earthy, sweet, and herbal flavors with a satisfying crunchy texture.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Topping
- ⅓ cup maple syrup plus 2 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You can leave the skin on for texture or peel it off for a smoother result. 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 coat evenly. Alternatively, place ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal, and shake to combine.
- Arrange for Roasting: Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray with space between each slice to ensure even browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, checking for fork tenderness as you near completion.
- Prepare the Topping: While roasting, mix maple syrup, chopped walnuts, remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This topping will add a caramelized crunch.
- Add the Topping: Remove the baking tray from the oven. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the walnut and maple mixture on each sweet potato slice. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the topping caramelizes and edges turn golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- You can leave the sweet potato skin on for added texture and nutrients or peel it for a smoother finish.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with agave nectar or honey, keeping in mind flavor differences.
- Chopped pecans or almonds make great alternatives to walnuts.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a festive and tart contrast.
- Incorporate grated parmesan into the topping for a cheesy variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Roasted sweet potatoes, walnut maple topping, cinnamon sweet potatoes, side dish, fall recipe, holiday side, vegetarian sweet potatoes