Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels cozy and indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. The sweet potatoes get this beautiful caramelized crust from the maple syrup and butter, while the walnuts add a lovely crunch and a hint of earthiness. It’s a perfect side for fall dinners, holiday spreads, or whenever you want to add a little something special to your meal.

What I love about this Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how versatile it is—you can easily tweak the spices or nuts to fit your mood, and it always delivers that satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and warm flavors. Whether you’re serving it to guests or craving a comforting weeknight side, this recipe is definitely worth trying, especially if you want to impress without a ton of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic combo of sweet and nutty, with cinnamon and thyme adding depth and warmth. When shopping, look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin, and opt for pure maple syrup to get the best flavor.

• Sweet Potatoes: I like using medium-sized ones since they roast evenly and have great texture.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Unsalted helps you control the saltiness—plus, melted butter coats the potatoes perfectly.
• Cinnamon: Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the maple syrup.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Pepper: Provides a subtle kick that keeps the dish interesting.
• Maple Syrup: The star of the show here! Use the good stuff for the richest flavor.
• Chopped Walnuts: Toasted or raw, walnuts give a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds a savory herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish.

Variations

I almost always play around with this Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe to keep it fresh. Depending on the season or what I have on hand, I’ll swap in different nuts or herbs to change up the flavor profile.

• Use Pecans Instead of Walnuts: I find pecans add a buttery sweetness that gives the dish a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Add a Dash of Smoked Paprika: For a smoky twist, try sprinkling smoked paprika along with the cinnamon—it’s surprisingly delicious!
• Make It Vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan margarine, and the recipe works just as well.
• Fresh Rosemary in Place of Thyme: Rosemary gives it a piney aroma that I sometimes prefer depending on the meal.

How to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, wash and peel your sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized chunks—about 1-inch pieces work best for thorough roasting without drying out. This step really sets the stage for even cooking, so try to keep the pieces uniform.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Coating

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, ⅓ cup maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and thyme until everything is nicely blended. You should end up with a fragrant, glossy mixture that’s going to coat your sweet potatoes beautifully. This combo locks in moisture and infuses that wonderful maple-cinnamon aroma into each bite.

Step 3: Toss Sweet Potatoes and Walnuts

Add the sweet potato chunks into the bowl and toss them so each piece is evenly coated. Then stir in the chopped walnuts—these will toast up in the oven and provide that irresistible crunch. Pro tip: save a few walnut pieces to sprinkle on top after roasting for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Spread the sweet potatoes and walnuts out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they’re in a single layer to promote even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the edges are lightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them near the end so the walnuts don’t burn—if you see them browning too fast, give the pan a little shake and check sooner.

How to Serve Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and an extra drizzle of maple syrup for that glossy, inviting look. If you’re feeling fancy, a little crumbled goat cheese or a few pomegranate seeds bring a pop of creaminess and color that’s stunning.

Side Dishes

This Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork, and I often serve it alongside garlicky sautéed greens or a crisp arugula salad to balance the sweetness. It also complements Thanksgiving mains perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or dinner parties, I like to roast the sweet potatoes in a pretty ceramic dish and scatter some toasted walnuts and fresh thyme sprigs on top right before serving. You can also layer the roasted potatoes in a clear glass casserole dish for a beautiful presentation that shows off all those gorgeous colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let the sweet potatoes cool fully before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing roasted sweet potatoes can be a bit tricky because of their moisture content, but I’ve had good luck spreading them out on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to freezer bags. This way, they don’t clump together, and you can thaw just what you need.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming them in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for about 10–15 minutes to help crisp up the edges again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that roasted texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe definitely holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and a little fancy without much effort. I’ve brought it to potlucks and family dinners, and it’s always a hit that leaves people asking for the recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as delicious and easy as I do—it’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something memorable, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too.

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