Name: Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Chopped candied pecans or candied walnuts, for garnish (optional)

There’s something truly comforting about the sweet, caramelized edges and warm aroma of this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate and brings a little cozy sweetness to your table with minimal fuss.

The image shows a white plate filled with roasted orange sweet potato chunks mixed with shiny toasted brown pecans, giving a warm and rich look. The sweet potato pieces have a caramelized, slightly glossy texture and are thickly cut. A green rosemary sprig decorates the side of the plate, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a light fabric napkin on one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe on a chilly fall evening, and it quickly became one of my favorite ways to enjoy sweet potatoes. The balance of maple syrup and cinnamon creates a natural, cozy sweetness that’s just irresistible.

Simplicity & Flavor: Uses just a handful of ingredients to create big, warm flavors with minimal effort.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — the roasting method is key.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite spices or toppings, making it a versatile side dish.
Great for All Occasions: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, it always hits the spot.

This image shows many pieces of roasted sweet potatoes spread out on a white marbled surface. Each piece is cut into chunky, uneven shapes with a mix of round and square edges. The outer skin is a dark orange-brown color, while the inside is a bright, shiny orange with a glazed, slightly glossy texture. The sweet potatoes look soft, with some pieces showing slight caramelized spots that add a darker orange hue. The lighting highlights the shining glaze, making the sweet potatoes look warm and freshly cooked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe plays a crucial role in making these sweet potatoes shine. The sweet and earthy flavors come alive with the right balance of seasoning, sweetness, and fat for roasting.

Flat lay of fresh orange sweet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes arranged neatly, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of pure amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of fine light brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of coarse white kosher salt crystals, and a small white bowl filled with glossy chopped candied pecans, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweet potatoes: I recommend firm, fresh sweet potatoes; their natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Olive oil: Helps get those deliciously crispy edges while keeping the potatoes moist inside.
Kosher salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the maple syrup.
Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth—you’ll want pure, not imitation, for the best flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Warming spice that pairs perfectly with both sweet potatoes and maple syrup.
Candied pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty aroma that’s a lovely finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this recipe is. I often switch up the spices depending on my mood or the season and sometimes add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. Feel free to play around until you find your perfect combo!

Spiced Variation: Once I tried adding a touch of smoked paprika and it added a smoky depth that was incredible with the sweetness.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the candied nuts and swap with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch if you have allergies.
Herb Twist: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme before roasting for a savory touch that pairs well with fall dinners.
Vegan Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great go-to side for plant-based meals.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temp is why these sweet potatoes turn out perfectly crispy on the outside. Cut your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes—this size is ideal for even cooking without drying out. Toss them with olive oil until every piece is coated; this helps with caramelization. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they're in a single layer so they roast, not steam. Sprinkle with kosher salt, then pop them in the oven for 20 minutes. The key here is patience—don’t stir them before the 20 minutes or you’ll lose out on those crispy edges.

Step 2: Sweeten and Spice Things Up

While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the pure maple syrup with your ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple combination creates that signature flavor of this recipe. When the 20 minutes are up, carefully take the baking sheet out, drizzle your maple cinnamon syrup over the potatoes, and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Spread them back out in one layer—crowding the pan will make them soggy instead of crispy.

Step 3: Final Roast for Crispy Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 5 to 10 minutes depending on how crispy you want your sweet potatoes. I like to check around 5 minutes and stir gently halfway through to ensure even browning. You’re looking for that beautiful caramelized color with slightly crisp edges but still tender inside.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once you’ve taken them out of the oven, transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving bowl or platter. If you’re a fan of texture like I am, sprinkle chopped candied pecans or walnuts on top. They add the perfect crunch and a lovely contrast to the soft, sweet potatoes. Serve immediately — these are best enjoyed warm!

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small tricks make a big difference when roasting sweet potatoes:

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving sweet potatoes space on the tray helps them crisp instead of steam.
Use pure maple syrup: I tried imitation once and the flavor just wasn’t the same – the real stuff brings unmatched warmth.
Flip gently halfway through the second roast: This ensures even caramelization without breaking the cubes.
Prep sweet potatoes evenly: I learned the hard way that uneven cubes cook unevenly, so take a moment for uniformity.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

maple roasted sweet potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add chopped candied pecans or candied walnuts when serving — their sweet crunch is a game changer. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a burst of freshness and contrast.

Side Dishes

This sweet potato side pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or a simple green salad. For a holiday meal, I like to serve it alongside maple-glazed carrots and stuffing for a warm, comforting plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve tried serving these in a rustic wooden bowl surrounded by fresh herbs and orange slices—it makes the presentation feel lively and festive. You can also layer them in a casserole dish topped with a sprinkle of pecans for a more elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover maple roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat nicely, but I recommend reheating them in the oven or a toaster oven to get the edges crispy again instead of using a microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked sweet potatoes before, but they tend to get a bit softer after thawing. If you want to freeze them, I recommend flash freezing on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in a hot oven to revive some texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method brings back the crispiness much better than the microwave and gives you almost fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While you could substitute white potatoes, this recipe shines because of the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes that pairs beautifully with maple syrup and cinnamon.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prep the sweet potatoes in advance by cutting and tossing them with oil and seasoning, then refrigerate for a few hours before roasting. However, it’s best to add the maple syrup coating just before roasting for the freshest flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to get crispy edges on the sweet potatoes?

Make sure the sweet potatoes are in a single layer with some space between them on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and roast at a high temperature (425°F) for the best caramelization.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the candied pecans or walnuts garnish or replace them with seed toppings like toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart – it transforms a humble vegetable into something cozy and indulgently sweet yet wholesome. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of those easy, reliable recipes you turn to when you want a side dish that’s both comforting and impressive without the fuss. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!