Description
These Thanksgiving Pecan Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender roasted sweet potato slices caramelized with maple syrup, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. This easy oven-baked side dish offers comforting autumn flavors ideal for holiday dinners or any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Preparation
- 2 large Sweet Potatoes
- ⅓ cup Melted Unsalted Butter
- 1.5 teaspoon Cinnamon (divided: 1 tsp and 0.5 tsp)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Maple Pecan Topping
- ⅓ cup Maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup Chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. You may keep the skin on or peel them according to your preference.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 380°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting.
- Season Sweet Potatoes: In a bowl or large ziplock bag, combine melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, pepper, and paprika with the sweet potato slices. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or by shaking the bag to ensure even coating.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray, leaving some space between each slice to avoid steaming and promote browning.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Bake for 20-25 minutes at 380°F (200°C), until the slices are firm yet tender. Adjust the baking time as needed depending on slice thickness.
- Prepare Maple Pecan Mixture: While the sweet potatoes roast, combine the maple syrup, chopped pecans, remaining 0.5 teaspoons cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple pecan mixture onto each slice. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until caramelized and golden at the edges.
- Serve: Serve the roasted sweet potatoes as they are, or garnish with some crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and creaminess if desired.
Notes
- You can peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Do not overcrowd the baking tray to ensure proper roasting and caramelization instead of steaming.
- Monitor the second baking phase carefully as syrup can burn if left too long; caramelization should occur evenly without charring.
- Feta cheese topping is optional but adds a nice savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
- This dish pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or as a hearty vegetarian side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
