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Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes embody the very essence of comfort food. Whether you’re setting the table for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a cozy family dinner, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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Imagine tender rounds of sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection, their natural sweetness amplified by a cinnamon butter glaze. Add to this the crunch of caramelized walnuts, the depth of maple syrup, and a subtle herbal hint from fresh thyme—each bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore every element of this dish, guiding you through its preparation, offering tips for personalizing it to suit your palate, and sharing serving suggestions to elevate your culinary presentation.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Topping

  • ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
    Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You can leave the skin on for added texture or peel it off for a smoother finish. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Season the Sweet Potatoes
    In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal it, and shake to combine.
  • Arrange for Roasting
    Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Ensure there’s space between each slice to promote even browning. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of roasting. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, checking for fork tenderness as the baking time nears completion.
  • Prepare the Topping
    While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This topping will add a caramelized crunch to your sweet potatoes.
  • Add the Topping
    Remove the baking tray from the oven. Top each sweet potato slice with about 1 teaspoon of the walnut and maple mixture. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the topping caramelizes and the edges of the sweet potatoes turn golden.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve as is, or for an added layer of flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.

Notes

  • Butter Alternatives Use coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Sweetener Swaps Agave nectar or honey can replace maple syrup, though each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
  • Nut Variations Pecans or almonds work wonderfully in place of walnuts.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

Imagine tender rounds of sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection, their natural sweetness amplified by a cinnamon butter glaze. Add to this the crunch of caramelized walnuts, the depth of maple syrup, and a subtle herbal hint from fresh thyme—each bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore every element of this dish, guiding you through its preparation, offering tips for personalizing it to suit your palate, and sharing serving suggestions to elevate your culinary presentation.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Topping

  • ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
    Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You can leave the skin on for added texture or peel it off for a smoother finish. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Season the Sweet Potatoes
    In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal it, and shake to combine.
  3. Arrange for Roasting
    Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Ensure there’s space between each slice to promote even browning. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of roasting. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, checking for fork tenderness as the baking time nears completion.
  4. Prepare the Topping
    While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This topping will add a caramelized crunch to your sweet potatoes.
  5. Add the Topping
    Remove the baking tray from the oven. Top each sweet potato slice with about 1 teaspoon of the walnut and maple mixture. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the topping caramelizes and the edges of the sweet potatoes turn golden.
  6. Serve and Enjoy
    Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve as is, or for an added layer of flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

This dish is a masterpiece of contrasts. The earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon and the richness of butter. The topping introduces a delightful crunch, complemented by the nutty aroma of toasted walnuts and the sweetness of maple syrup. The thyme adds a subtle herbal note that balances the flavors, preventing the dish from becoming overly sweet.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions

  • Butter Alternatives Use coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Sweetener Swaps Agave nectar or honey can replace maple syrup, though each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
  • Nut Variations Pecans or almonds work wonderfully in place of walnuts.

Creative Variations

  1. Spiced-Up Version Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a touch of heat.
  2. Festive Touch Sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a pop of color and tartness.
  3. Cheesy Delight Mix grated parmesan into the topping for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect Pairing Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
  • Vegetarian Spread Pair with a fresh green salad and roasted Brussels sprouts for a colorful, balanced plate.
  • Elegant Presentation Layer the slices on a platter, alternating with thin slices of roasted apple or pear for a gourmet touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a celebration of comfort and tradition. The recipe’s simplicity belies the depth of flavor it delivers, making it an ideal addition to any holiday feast. The balance of sweet, savory, and nutty notes ensures it complements a variety of main courses, while its stunning presentation makes it a visual centerpiece.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the inviting aroma of this crowd-pleasing dish. Your holiday table awaits a new favorite tradition!

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