The aroma of roasting sweet potatoes mingles with the nutty scent of walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup. Each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfectly balancing sweetness and crunch.
I remember the first time I made maple walnut sweet potatoes; it was during a family gathering where my mom declared them the highlight of the meal. Now they’re our go-to dish for Thanksgiving and potlucks alike!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish combines simplicity and flavor, making meal prep effortless
- The vibrant colors and textures are sure to impress everyone at the table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round!
One memorable Thanksgiving, I watched my cousin take her first bite and exclaim it was like dessert on her plate. The joy was contagious!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Walnuts: Opt for fresh walnuts; their crunchiness adds a delightful contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for rich flavor; avoid imitation syrups—it’s worth it!
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon enhances warmth; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors; don’t skip this step!
- Pepper: A sprinkle adds a hint of spice that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for roasting; it brings out the best flavors in your ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Wash and peel about two medium-sized sweet potatoes. Cut them into even cubes—this helps them roast evenly and look great on your plate!
In a bowl, toss your cubed sweet potatoes with two tablespoons of olive oil until they are well-coated. Add salt and pepper to taste; you want those flavors to shine through.
Spread the coated sweet potato cubes onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they start turning golden brown.
While they roast, chop half a cup of walnuts into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix together two tablespoons of maple syrup and a teaspoon of cinnamon—this will be drizzled over our roasted beauties later.
Once your sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven but keep that oven hot! Drizzle your syrup mixture over them along with the chopped walnuts and toss gently.
Return everything back to the oven for another 10 minutes so those flavors can meld together beautifully. The smell will be incredible!
Finally, let them cool slightly before serving. These maple walnut sweet potatoes make an impressive side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course or as part of your holiday feast!
You Must Know
- Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes are not only delicious; they bring warmth and sweetness to any table
- The caramelized edges and nutty aroma create a cozy atmosphere, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners
- You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by peeling and cubing sweet potatoes, then roast them at 400°F while preparing the maple-walnut topping. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and absorb all that rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. Experimenting with spices can elevate the dish to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, choose firm sweet potatoes without blemishes
- Always taste before adding more maple syrup; you might find it’s sweet enough!
- When roasting, ensure even spacing on the baking sheet to avoid steaming
Cooking these Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes always reminds me of holiday dinners filled with laughter and joy, where everyone eagerly anticipates the first bite.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds also work well in this recipe.
How long should I roast sweet potatoes?
Roast sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
What is the best way to peel sweet potatoes?
Use a vegetable peeler for easy peeling, ensuring you remove all skin before cooking.
Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously sweet and nutty side dish that elevates any meal. Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, this recipe combines roasted sweet potatoes with crunchy walnuts and rich maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash, peel, and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until golden.
- While roasting, chop the walnuts and mix maple syrup with cinnamon.
- Drizzle the syrup mixture over the roasted sweet potatoes, add walnuts, and toss gently.
- Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Substitute walnuts with pecans for a different flavor profile. Adjust cinnamon according to your taste preference.