Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender roasted sweet potatoes coated in a luscious blend of melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and thyme, then topped with crunchy chopped walnuts for a perfectly balanced sweet and savory side dish that’s ideal for fall or any time you crave comfort food with a nutritious twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
Coating & Flavoring
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup maple syrup plus 2 tablespoons extra
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Toppings
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly and achieve a lovely caramelized exterior.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform cubes about 1-inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, cinnamon, salt, pepper, ⅓ cup of maple syrup, and thyme. Whisk until well blended.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl of seasoning and toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the maple butter mixture.
- Roast: Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and tenderness.
- Add Walnuts and Extra Maple Syrup: Five minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the sweet potatoes and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Continue roasting to allow the walnuts to toast lightly and the syrup to glaze the potatoes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven once the sweet potatoes are tender and the walnuts are toasted. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish highlighting the blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Notes
- Be sure to cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes for even roasting.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor; dried thyme can be substituted but reduce the quantity slightly.
- For a vegan option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Walnuts can be toasted separately and added just before serving for extra crunch.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, or as a hearty vegetarian side.
Keywords: sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup, walnuts, cinnamon, thyme, autumn side dish, vegetarian side