These Caramelized Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a classic side dish that balances savory and sweet flavors in every bite. Roasted until tender on the inside with crispy edges, they are finished with a sticky maple-cinnamon glaze that takes them over the top.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these golden gems are simple to make but taste incredibly decadent.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: The natural earthiness of sweet potatoes is enhanced by rich olive oil and salt, then elevated by the warm sweetness of pure maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Texture: High-heat roasting creates a caramelized, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the center buttery soft.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It involves basic chopping and a two-stage roasting process.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. A small bowl is needed to mix the glaze. The ingredients are simple pantry staples: sweet potatoes, olive oil, and high-quality maple syrup are the stars of the show.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet Potatoes – You need 2 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Keeping the cubes uniform ensures they cook evenly without some burning while others are hard.
- Pure Maple Syrup – Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The real stuff caramelizes better and adds a depth of flavor that artificial syrup lacks.
- Olive Oil – This helps roast the potatoes initially, getting them tender before the sugar is added.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon adds a warm, festive aroma that pairs perfectly with the maple.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for balancing the sweetness. Without salt, the dish would taste flat.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts – An optional but highly recommended garnish that adds a delightful crunch.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice – A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder added to the maple mixture creates a fantastic “swicy” (sweet and spicy) flavor profile.
- Herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves tossed in at the beginning add a savory, earthy note.
- Nut Free – If you have nut allergies, toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) make a great crunchy topping instead of pecans.
How to Make Caramelized Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Grease it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roast: Place the sweet potato cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until well coated. Spread them out so they are in a single layer and not touching (this is key for roasting vs. steaming). Sprinkle evenly with salt. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
- Glaze: Meanwhile, stir together the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle this mixture over the hot sweet potatoes. Stir gently until all the potatoes are well coated. Spread them back out into an even layer.
- Caramelize: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the sugars. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check them at the 5-minute mark to ensure the syrup isn’t burning.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped candied pecans or walnuts, if using. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Do not add the maple syrup at the beginning! Maple syrup has a high sugar content and can burn at 425°F if left in for the full 30 minutes. Adding it during the last 5-10 minutes ensures a sticky, delicious glaze without the burnt taste.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If the potatoes are piled on top of each other, they will steam and become soft rather than developing caramelized edges. Use two pans if necessary.
- Uniform Cutting: Take care to cut the cubes into similar sizes. Small pieces will burn before larger pieces are tender.
- Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper helps immensely with cleanup, as the caramelized maple syrup can be very sticky and hard to scrub off a bare pan.
FAQs
- Can I peel the potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning, then drain and pat very dry before roasting.
- Can I use honey? Yes, honey works as a substitute for maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different and more floral.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Table: This is a lighter, fresher alternative to the marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole.
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve alongside roast chicken or pork chops.
- Bowl Component: Leftovers are fantastic added to a kale and quinoa salad bowl.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Reheating: These reheat well in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The microwave works too, but they will lose their crispy edges.
- Prep: Mix the cinnamon and maple syrup in a small jar beforehand so it is ready to pour when the timer goes off.
Caramelized Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
Description
These Caramelized Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a classic side dish that balances savory and sweet flavors in every bite. Roasted until tender on the inside with crispy edges, they are finished with a sticky maple-cinnamon glaze that takes them over the top. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these golden gems are simple to make but taste incredibly decadent.
Ingredients
The Potatoes
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
The Maple Glaze
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (real maple syrup, not pancake syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
The Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped candied pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Tip: If using foil, grease it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the sugary glaze from sticking later.
Roast (Part 1)
Place the sweet potato cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until well coated. Spread them out in a single layer ensuring they are not touching. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt.
Bake
Roast for 20 minutes.
Make Glaze
While the potatoes roast, stir together the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Glaze & Caramelize (Part 2)
Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the maple-cinnamon mixture over the hot potatoes. Stir gently with a spatula until all cubes are coated. Spread them back out into an even layer.
Finish
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes. Watch Closely: Check at the 5-minute mark. You want the sugars to caramelize and bubble, not burn. Stir halfway through if needed.
Serve
Remove from the oven. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped candied pecans or walnuts if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Timing is Everything: Do not add the maple syrup at the beginning! Maple syrup has a high sugar content and will burn at 425°F if left in for the full 30 minutes. Adding it during the last 5–10 minutes ensures a sticky glaze without the burnt taste.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Air circulation is key for roasting. If the potatoes are piled on top of each other, they will steam and become soft rather than developing crispy, caramelized edges. Use two pans if necessary.
Uniform Cuts: Try to cut the cubes into similar 1-inch sizes. Small pieces will burn before larger pieces are tender.
Prep Ahead: You can peel and cube the potatoes a day in advance. Store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning, then drain and pat very dry before roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approx. 1/2 Cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: roasted sweet potatoes, maple glazed sweet potatoes, holiday side dishes, thanksgiving recipes, healthy vegetable sides, easy sweet potato recipe, cinnamon roasted vegetables
