Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A delicious and easy side dish, Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes combine tender roasted sweet potatoes with the richness of maple syrup, the crunch of walnuts, and a hint of warming spices. Perfect for holidays or a weeknight dinner, this dish is both flavorful and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
  • Simple and quick preparation.
  • Ideal for festive gatherings or as a healthy side dish.
  • Easily adaptable with pecans or additional toppings like feta cheese.
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon thyme

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Clean and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Peel the skin if preferred.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  3. Arrange the slices on a baking tray in a single layer, leaving space between them. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. While the sweet potatoes roast, mix maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining cinnamon, and thyme in a small bowl.
  5. Remove the baking tray from the oven and top each sweet potato slice with the walnut-maple mixture.
  6. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, allowing the edges to caramelize.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with crumbled feta cheese.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Nut Substitute: Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
  • Extra Herbs: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or sage for added depth.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil for a vegan version.
  • Sweetness: Add a drizzle of honey along with the maple syrup for extra sweetness.
  • Cheese Option: Crumbled goat cheese can be used in place of feta.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked sweet potatoes without the walnut topping in a single layer. Add the topping fresh when reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the walnut mixture separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.

2. Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, yams work well and provide a similar flavor and texture.

3. How can I tell if the sweet potatoes are cooked?

Insert a fork into the center of a slice. If it slides in easily, they’re done.

4. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil is a great dairy-free alternative.

5. How do I make this dish vegan?

Substitute butter with olive oil and omit the optional feta cheese.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the mix?

Yes, carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts make excellent additions.

7. What if I don’t have maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes.

8. Are there other nuts I can use?

Yes, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds can replace walnuts.

9. Can I skip the thyme?

Absolutely. You can use rosemary, sage, or no herbs at all based on your preference.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet and nutty flavors make it appealing to kids. Adjust spices if needed.

Conclusion

Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a show-stopping side dish that’s easy to make and bursting with fall flavors. Whether served during the holidays or as part of a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Customize with your favorite nuts, spices, or toppings for a dish that’s uniquely yours!

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Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Savor the flavors of fall with these Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potato rounds are roasted to perfection and topped with a rich maple syrup glaze, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon and thyme. This simple yet elegant side dish is ideal for holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Wash and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Peel them if desired.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the slices on a baking tray in a single layer with space between them. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
  5. Meanwhile, mix the maple syrup, walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl.
  6. Remove the tray from the oven and spoon the walnut-maple mixture over the sweet potato slices.
  7. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the edges caramelize.
  8. Serve warm, optionally garnished with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy contrast.

Notes

  • Adjust the baking time depending on the thickness of your sweet potato slices.
  • For a nutty variation, substitute pecans for walnuts.
  • Make this dish vegan by replacing butter with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 421 kcal
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Protein: 4g

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