Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Introduction

I recently made Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a family gathering, and I was amazed by how quickly it became a favorite. The combination of cinnamon and maple syrup gives the sweet potatoes a warm, cozy flavor, making it the perfect side dish for the cooler months. Not only is this dish full of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. You can make it for a holiday dinner, weeknight meal, or even as a potluck dish, and it’s sure to impress. The sweet and savory flavors, paired with the tender, caramelized texture of the sweet potatoes, make for a side dish that everyone will love. Plus, the optional garnishes of nuts and dried cranberries take the dish to the next level. This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to side dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, caramelized interior that’s bursting with flavor. The maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the dish. This combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that is incredibly satisfying. The addition of olive oil helps the potatoes roast beautifully, giving them a slight crispiness that contrasts perfectly with their tender interior.

What makes this dish even better is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this dish in less than an hour. It’s a great option for busy weeknights but also works wonderfully as a side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it by adding garnishes like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or fresh parsley, which not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish more visually appealing. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Dried cranberries
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to help the sweet potatoes roast evenly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
   Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. This will help them cook evenly and ensure they roast perfectly.
3. Season the Potatoes:
   In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
   Arrange the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and get that crispy caramelized texture.
   Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. The potatoes should be tender and caramelized when done.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
   Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, or fresh parsley for added flavor and texture. These garnishes will enhance the dish and make it look even more appealing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

How to Serve

• As a side dish: Serve these roasted sweet potatoes alongside your favorite proteins like roasted chicken, turkey, or ham.
• Holiday meals: This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal, providing a beautiful, colorful, and flavorful addition to the table.
• Weeknight dinners: Pair these roasted sweet potatoes with a simple salad and your choice of protein for a healthy, satisfying meal.
• Add toppings: For extra flavor, top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, dried cranberries for sweetness, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
• In a bowl: For a cozy meal, serve the roasted sweet potatoes in a bowl and top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.

Additional Tips

1. Cut evenly: Make sure the sweet potatoes are cut into even pieces so that they cook at the same rate.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: If needed, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding the potatoes. This will help them roast more evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
3. Use high-quality maple syrup: Since maple syrup is one of the key ingredients, use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
4. Customize the seasoning: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sweet potatoes for a little heat, or experiment with other spices like ginger or nutmeg.
5. Make ahead: You can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time, toss them in the seasoning mixture, and refrigerate them until ready to roast.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
   While sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use regular potatoes. Just note that the flavor and texture will be different.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just make sure the maple syrup is pure and not mixed with honey.
3. Can I add more spices?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like ground ginger, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for added warmth and heat.
4. Can I use fresh cinnamon instead of ground cinnamon?
   Ground cinnamon works best for even flavor distribution, but if you have fresh cinnamon sticks, you can grind them yourself for a more intense flavor.
5. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
   It’s better to use fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe, as frozen ones may not get as crispy and can release too much moisture.
6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and toss them in the seasoning mixture the night before. Just refrigerate and roast them when you’re ready to serve.
7. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven to bring back the crispiness.
9. How do I make the sweet potatoes extra crispy?
   To get crispier potatoes, make sure they are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet. You can also broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking for an extra crisp finish.
10. Can I use other garnishes?
    Yes, you can garnish the sweet potatoes with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or toasted coconut for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a simple yet delicious side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of maple syrup. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The ease of preparation and versatility of this recipe make it a great option for any occasion. With the added option of garnishes like nuts and dried cranberries, this dish can be customized to suit your taste. Whip up this flavorful side dish and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory!

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