Description
Cinnamon maple roasted sweet potatoes elevate simple root vegetables into a delectable side dish that sparkles with warmth and sweet complexity. Rich maple syrup and aromatic cinnamon caramelize these potatoes into a comforting masterpiece you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Seasonings and Optional Add-ins:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack in the center position and warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface that will help the sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully without sticking.
- Thoroughly wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry with clean kitchen towels to promote even roasting.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized wedges or cubes, maintaining consistent thickness to guarantee uniform cooking and caramelization.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently toss the sweet potato pieces with maple syrup, creating a luxurious coating that will transform into a glistening, amber-hued glaze during roasting.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the maple-coated sweet potatoes, ensuring each piece receives an even dusting of the warm, aromatic spice.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, using your hands or a spatula to coat every sweet potato piece thoroughly, which will help achieve a crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Spread the seasoned sweet potato pieces in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, allowing ample space between each piece to promote proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, gently turning the pieces halfway through to ensure even caramelization and a golden-brown finish.
- Remove from the oven when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and have developed a rich, burnished exterior with crispy edges.
- Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors before serving warm.
Notes
- Choose sweet potatoes with firm, smooth skin and minimal blemishes for the best roasting results.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Toss cubes thoroughly with maple syrup and cinnamon to create a delicious, sticky coating that helps develop deep, rich flavors during roasting.
- For a crispy exterior, spread sweet potato cubes in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing enough space between pieces for proper browning and caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg