Name: Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet: 1 Amazing Side
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet potatoes; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, divided; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; ⅓ cup chopped walnuts; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

Walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes have become my go-to side dish for nearly any meal, and I’m so excited to share this simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe with you. I first tried making them during a busy fall week, and the aroma that filled my kitchen – a warm blend of cinnamon, sweet maple, and toasty nuts – was absolutely divine. The way the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes caramelizes with the maple syrup, all while being complemented by the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, is pure magic. This sweet potato side dish maple walnut is not only beautiful to look at but tastes even better. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with this incredible side dish! It’s so much more than just roasted vegetables.

Effortless Elegance: This recipe makes a simple ingredient feel fancy enough for holiday dinners.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet, savory, and slightly spiced profile is utterly addictive.
Perfect Texture Contrast: You get tender roasted sweet potatoes with a delightful crunchy topping.
Quick & Easy Prep: It’s a fantastic easy maple walnut sweet potato recipe that comes together fast.
Wholesome Goodness: Packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes and healthy fats from walnuts.
Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Even picky eaters adore these glazed sweet potatoes with walnuts.
Versatile Pairing: This sweet potato side dish maple walnut goes with everything from chicken to pork.
Aromatic Delight: The smell of cinnamon, maple, and toasting walnuts while it bakes is heavenly.

Ingredients for Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing maple walnut sweet potato recipe. I find using fresh ingredients really makes a difference in the final flavor!

3 medium sweet potatoes – about 1.5 lbs total, scrubbed and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like the extra texture and nutrients from the skin.
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – this helps the seasonings adhere and adds a rich flavor. For a dairy-free twist, feel free to use melted coconut oil.
1½ teaspoons cinnamon, divided – cinnamon is key to that warm, cozy flavor profile that pairs so well with sweet potatoes and maple.
½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
½ teaspoon black pepper – just a touch to add a subtle savory note.
⅓ cup pure maple syrup – make sure it’s pure maple syrup for the best taste. This is what gives you those delicious glazed sweet potatoes with walnuts.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – an extra drizzle for the topping to really amp up that sweet, sticky glaze.
⅓ cup chopped walnuts – toasted slightly if you have time, they add a wonderful crunch and nutty depth to this sweet potato side dish maple walnut.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried) – the fresh thyme adds a lovely, subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Let’s get these delicious walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes into the oven! It’s a straightforward process that yields amazing results.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This helps prevent sticking and makes sure your sweet potatoes roast evenly.
Step 2: Prepare your sweet potatoes. Scrub them well and then slice them into nice, even ½-inch thick rounds. If you’re not a fan of the skin, feel free to peel them, but I personally love the extra texture and nutrients it provides.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine your sliced sweet potatoes with the melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently until each slice is beautifully coated. You want to make sure every piece gets a little bit of that savory goodness.
Step 4: Arrange the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them a little breathing room so they roast and caramelize nicely, rather than steam.
Step 5: Now for the first roast! Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 25–30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through. You’re looking for them to become tender and get lightly browned edges. The kitchen will start to smell wonderful!
Step 6: While the potatoes are roasting, let’s prepare that delightful topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, your chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and the fresh thyme leaves. This mixture is what will give you those irresistible glazed sweet potatoes with walnuts.
Step 7: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the walnut-maple mixture onto the top of each sweet potato slice. This is where the magic happens for this maple walnut sweet potato recipe.
Step 8: Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want the topping to become golden brown and slightly caramelized, creating that perfect sweet and nutty crust.
Step 9: Finally, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They are best served warm, allowing you to fully enjoy the textures and flavors of this amazing sweet potato side dish maple walnut.

Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet: 1 Amazing Side - Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Want to elevate your roasted sweet potatoes? Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness every time!

Toast Your Walnuts: For an extra layer of nutty flavor and crunch, lightly toast your chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the maple mixture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your sweet potato slices space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding causes them to steam instead of roast, preventing that lovely caramelization.
Adjust Sweetness: If your sweet potatoes are exceptionally sweet, you might want to slightly reduce the maple syrup or add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors in your sweet potato side dish maple walnut.
Uniform Slices: Cutting the sweet potatoes into consistent ½-inch thick rounds ensures they all cook evenly, so you don’t have some mushy and some hard.

What’s the secret to perfect Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

The real secret is the combination of the initial roast with butter and spices, followed by the final glaze. This dual-approach ensures tender sweet potatoes and a wonderfully caramelized, nutty topping for your maple walnut sweet potato recipe. For more insights into cooking techniques, you can explore resources on roasting vegetables.

Can I make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sweet potatoes by slicing and tossing them with the butter and spices up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the walnut-maple topping separately and store it in another container. Combine and roast when ready to serve. For more make-ahead meal prep tips, check out our latest recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Avoid mushy potatoes by ensuring they are cut uniformly and aren’t overcrowded on the pan during roasting. Also, be careful not to burn the maple glaze; keep an eye on them during the final 8-10 minutes of baking. If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind cooking, you might find resources on the science of cooking helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic addition to any meal. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken or pork loin, offering a sweet and savory contrast to richer meats. For a vegetarian main, try serving them alongside a hearty lentil loaf or a creamy risotto. These also make a wonderful addition to a holiday spread, complementing dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham. I love using them as a vibrant sweet potato side dish maple walnut for weeknight dinners when I need something quick yet impressive. You can find more recipe ideas on our site.

Nutrition Facts for Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of these delightful walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes. They offer a fantastic balance of flavors and nutrients.

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 15mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used for your maple walnut sweet potato recipe. For more information on nutritional data, you can refer to the Nutritionix database.

How to Store and Reheat Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Don’t let those delicious walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes go to waste! Once they’ve cooled down completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, these make a great freezer-friendly side dish. Just cool them, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super simple!

For the best results, I recommend reheating your maple walnut sweet potato recipe leftovers in the oven or toaster oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisped up again. A quick reheat in the microwave is also an option if you’re short on time, though they might be a bit softer. This ensures you still get that lovely glazed texture, making them almost as good as fresh! For more tips on food storage, you can visit our terms of use page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Can I use different nuts besides walnuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans are a fantastic substitute and offer a similar buttery flavor. You could also try almonds or even pepitas for a nut-free option in your maple walnut sweet potato recipe.

What’s the best way to prepare the sweet potatoes for roasting?

For the best results in your walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes, ensure they are cut into uniform ½-inch thick rounds. This allows for even cooking. Scrubbing them well is important, but peeling is optional – I often leave the skin on for added fiber and texture, making it a great sweet potato side dish maple walnut.

Can I make this a vegan dish?

Yes! To make these walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes vegan, simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative like melted coconut oil or olive oil. The pure maple syrup is already vegan, so it’s a simple substitution to create a delicious vegan side. For more vegan recipe inspiration, check out our GDPR policy.

How do I get the topping to caramelize nicely?

The key to a good caramelization is to ensure the topping isn’t too thick and that the oven temperature is correct. When you spoon the walnut-maple mixture onto the potatoes, use about a teaspoon per slice. Keep an eye on them during the final 8-10 minutes of baking, as the sugars can burn quickly. This helps achieve that perfect sweet and nutty crust for your maple walnut sweet potato recipe.

Variations of Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes You Can Try

While this maple walnut sweet potato recipe is absolutely delicious as is, I love experimenting and have a few favorite twists you might enjoy!

Spicy Kick: For a sweet and savory profile with a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the initial butter and spice mixture before roasting. This creates a wonderful contrast in your sweet potato side dish maple walnut.
Herbaceous Delight: Swap the thyme for fresh rosemary or sage. Finely chop about ½ teaspoon of fresh rosemary and add it to the walnut-maple topping. The slightly piney notes of rosemary pair beautifully with the maple and sweet potato.
Citrus Zest: Brighten things up by adding the zest of half an orange to the walnut-maple topping. This adds a lovely subtle citrus note that cuts through the sweetness and richness.
Balsamic Glaze Finish: After roasting, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the finished walnut maple roasted sweet potatoes. The tangy sweetness of balsamic complements the maple and walnuts perfectly.