Spiced Maple Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spiced Maple Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a cozy and flavorful side dish perfect for those cooler months when you're craving something sweet, spicy, and comforting. These potatoes are coated in a delightful maple syrup and spice mixture, bringing a warm, inviting aroma to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Spiced Maple Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a soft, satisfying texture when roasted. Olive Oil helps to coat and crisp the potatoes, ensuring they roast evenly. Maple Syrup adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the natural sugars in the potatoes. Cinnamon brings a warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet elements. A dash of Cayenne Pepper adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness perfectly. Salt and Black Pepper enhance all the flavors and add a savory depth. Finally, fresh Thyme Leaves provide a hint of earthiness and a pop of color to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform sizes for even roasting.
  • For a deeper maple flavor, use dark maple syrup if you can find it.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference; a little goes a long way.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. They’re also great alongside a hearty salad or as part of a holiday feast with turkey or ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for a similar sweetness, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Spiced Maple Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's nice and hot when you pop the potatoes in, helping them to crisp up rather than steam. While it's heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl. You'll combine olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in it. Give this mixture a good stir — you're aiming for a uniform blend that will evenly coat your sweet potatoes.

Now, add your cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl. Toss them well so each piece gets a nice, even coating of this delicious spice mixture. Spread them out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer; this helps them roast evenly.

Roast the sweet potatoes in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a quick turn with a spatula to ensure they caramelize beautifully on all sides. They’re done when they're tender and have a lovely golden hue.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. This final touch not only adds flavor but also a bit of visual flair. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple preparation with minimal ingredients and effort.
  • A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Great for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.
  • Uses wholesome ingredients to create a healthy side dish option.

Ingredients

2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

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