Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes have the magic to turn a simple fall dinner into something a little more special. The combo of cinnamon and maple glaze transforms humble sweet potatoes into caramelized coins that taste like a little celebration. Whether as a side for your Thanksgiving table or a comforting weeknight dinner, these deliver big autumn flavors every time.

My family finds these impossible to resist and they always disappear quickly at our holiday gatherings. I love how the house smells like a bakery while these roast.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: for natural sweetness and texture plus they hold their shape well with roasting tip look for firm and unblemished potatoes with orange flesh
• Unsalted butter: for richness and helps caramelize the edges tip choose high quality butter for the best flavor
• Cinnamon: gives warmth and cozy spice freshly ground is best for maximum aroma
• Nutmeg: layers extra spice complexity grate your own if possible for intense flavor
• Salt: sharpens all the flavors use flaked sea salt for a pop of crunch if you like
• Pure maple syrup: provides that deep autumn sweetness use grade A or B for rich taste
• Honey: boosts the glaze with a floral note choose local honey for its unique taste
• Pecans: for crunch plus a nutty toasted flavor choose fresh whole pecans and chop just before adding
• Fresh thyme: brightens and balances with herbal freshness look for sprigs with small green leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees and let it preheat completely This helps create the caramelized edges and ensures even baking

Slice the Potatoes:

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into half inch thick rounds Try to keep the slices uniform for even roasting

Coat with Spiced Butter:

Mix melted butter with one teaspoon cinnamon and salt Toss sweet potato rounds in this mixture to coat each slice fully The butter should gloss every surface to guarantee golden texture

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet Give each piece breathing room so steam can escape and sugar caramelizes instead of softening

Roast the Potatoes:

Slide the tray into your hot oven and roast for twenty five to thirty minutes Test with a fork to check for tenderness the edges should start to brown and the bottoms develop sweet crusts

Mix the Glaze:

In a bowl combine maple syrup honey chopped pecans nutmeg the remaining cinnamon and fresh thyme Stir until everything is evenly distributed

Glaze and Finish Roasting:

Spoon about a teaspoon of the glaze over each sweet potato slice Return the tray to the oven for ten more minutes Watch for sizzling edges and bubbling glaze which means the caramelization is perfect

Serve:

Allow to cool a minute or two before serving Optionally top with feta or goat cheese for a finishing touch

The pecan maple glaze is always my favorite part it gets all toasty and sticky in the oven. One Thanksgiving my niece ate nearly the whole batch before dinner was even served and it’s now the most requested side in our family.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they will keep for about five days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best texture as microwaving will make them softer. If you have extra glaze from the pan drizzle it over for added flavor when reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using walnuts instead of pecans or substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy free twist. If you run out of honey simply add more maple syrup. For a nut free option sprinkle pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside roast chicken or pork or bring them to a potluck and watch them disappear. They also taste amazing tossed into salads with arugula and goat cheese or layered onto a grain bowl for a hearty lunch. Sometimes I pair them with roasted Brussels sprouts for a colorful fall feast.

Cultural and Historical Context

Sweet potatoes have long been a staple ingredient for Southern and holiday cooking in the United States. The mix of warming spices and sweeteners like maple and honey has roots in both Indigenous and colonial American traditions. This method delivers on that tradition with a modern twist thanks to the pecan glaze.

Seasonal Adaptations

For spring add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the glaze In winter try a pinch of ground clove for deeper spice In summer use mint instead of thyme for brightness Keep your sweet potato coins the same size to ensure even caramelization. Watch for bubbling glaze near the end and do not hesitate to broil for one minute if you love crispy bits. Let cool slightly so the glaze sets and does not burn eager fingers.

Success Stories

So many cooks have adopted this as their official Thanksgiving potato dish and several friends now serve it at holiday brunches. My own kids request this recipe for their birthday dinners instead of cake and that says everything about how much joy these sweet potatoes bring to the table.

Freezer Meal Conversion

This dish can be made ahead and frozen lay sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet freeze then assemble in a zip bag with any extra glaze. Reheat from frozen at four hundred degrees until warmed and bubbly.

These sweet potatoes bring comfort and celebration to any table. Your kitchen will smell incredible and your guests will ask for seconds.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, yams can be substituted, but will yield a slightly different texture and flavor. Adjust baking time if needed.

→ How do I prevent sweet potatoes from getting soggy while roasting?

Arrange slices in a single layer with space between them to allow air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

→ What cheese pairs well as a topping?

Both feta and goat cheese add a tangy contrast to the sweet and spiced glaze. Sprinkle just before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes in advance and reheat them before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Swap the unsalted butter for melted coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative to suit your preference.

→ Will other nuts work instead of pecans?

Chopped walnuts or almonds can be used for a different crunch and flavor profile if you prefer.