Print

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans

maple cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes - featured image

This easy holiday side dish features sweet potatoes roasted with maple syrup and cinnamon, finished with crunchy toasted pecans. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces, keeping them as uniform as possible.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes. Halfway through, flip the potatoes with a spatula for even caramelization.
  6. After 20 minutes, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the potatoes and gently toss or stir.
  7. Return to the oven and roast for another 8-12 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are golden and fork-tender and the pecans are toasted.
  8. Check for doneness; if needed, roast for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter. Optionally, drizzle with a little more maple syrup and sprinkle with fresh thyme or flaky salt before serving.

Notes

For best results, cut sweet potatoes into even cubes and avoid overcrowding the pan. Add pecans only in the last 8-12 minutes to prevent burning. Customize with dried cranberries, fresh thyme, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. Leftovers reheat well in the oven and can be frozen for later.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple roasted sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free, Thanksgiving, pecans, cinnamon, easy roasted vegetables