Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Imagine tender rounds of sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection, their natural sweetness amplified by a cinnamon butter glaze. Add to this the crunch of caramelized walnuts, the depth of maple syrup, and a subtle herbal hint from fresh thyme—each bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore every element of this dish, guiding you through its preparation, offering tips for personalizing it to suit your palate, and sharing serving suggestions to elevate your culinary presentation.
Ingredients
- 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 + 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 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, ensuring each slice is evenly 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. Ensure 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.
Notes
Butter Alternatives Use coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Sweetener Swaps Agave nectar or honey can replace maple syrup, though each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Nut Variations Pecans or almonds work wonderfully in place of walnuts.
Sweetener Swaps Agave nectar or honey can replace maple syrup, though each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Nut Variations Pecans or almonds work wonderfully in place of walnuts.