Why Make This Recipe
Imagine crisp, caramelized sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy walnut and syrupy goodness. Sounds heavenly, right? Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering. They’re not just delicious; you get the health benefits of sweet potatoes along with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this indulgence!
How to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Making these mouthwatering sweet potatoes is a breeze! You can follow these simple steps to whip them up in no time:
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Feel free to keep the skin on for a bit of texture or peel it for a smooth finish.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Season the Sweet Potatoes
- Mix sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure every slice gets some love.
- Pro tip: If you’re feeling lazy, toss everything into a ziplock bag, seal it tight, and shake until well mixed. Instant fun!
Arrange for Roasting
- Lay those sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Give them space—nobody likes being crowded.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking for tenderness until you can pierce them with a fork.
Prepare the Topping
- While the potatoes are roasting, mix maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This blend is about to elevate your dish!
Add the Topping
- Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, pull them out and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of that walnut mixture on each slice.
- Pop them back into the oven for another 8–10 minutes. This is where the magic happens: caramelization awaits!
Serve and Enjoy
- Let them cool slightly before diving in. Want to impress? Crumble some feta cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Yum!
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon thyme
How to Serve Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These scrumptious roasted sweet potatoes make a fantastic side dish for just about anything. Pair them with roasted meats or as a stunning addition to your holiday table. If you’re feeling adventurous, they can even be enjoyed on their own as a wholesome snack! Seriously, who needs chips when you can nosh on these beauties?
How to Store Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Got leftovers? No problem! Let the sweet potatoes cool down to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3–4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to indulge again. Trust me, they still taste amazing!
Tips to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Don’t skip the thyme! It adds a lovely herby flavor that really brings the dish together.
- If you like it sweet, feel free to drizzle a bit more maple syrup on top before serving. Extra sweetness never hurt anyone, right? 😉
- Consider trying out different nuts like pecans or almonds for a twist!
Variation
Want to switch it up? Try adding some dried cranberries or raisins along with the walnuts for a bit of tartness. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
While fresh is best for this recipe, you can use canned ones. Just ensure they’re well-drained and pat them dry before seasoning, or you might end up with mushy slices.
2. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
Fork-tender is your goal! When you poke them with a fork, they should give way easily. If they’re still tough, let them roast a little longer.
3. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sweet potatoes and toppings ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and roast them right before you plan to serve. Easy peasy!
So there you have it! Give these Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes a try, and prepare for compliments galore. Happy cooking! 🍽️
Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Clean and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Mix sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well coated.
- Alternatively, place ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal, and shake until mixed.
- Lay sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking for tenderness.
- While the potatoes are roasting, mix maple syrup, chopped walnuts, remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl.
- Once sweet potatoes are roasted, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the walnut mixture on each slice. Return to the oven for another 8–10 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, crumble feta cheese on top for added flavor.