Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels cozy and special all at once. The maple syrup and cinnamon give these sweet potatoes a warm, comforting sweetness, while the walnuts add this incredible crunch and a bit of earthiness. It’s the kind of side that elevates an everyday meal or makes holiday dinners feel extra thoughtful without much fuss.

What I appreciate most about this Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how simple it is to throw together, yet it never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe fits right in. Plus, it’s so satisfying watching those sweet potatoes caramelize in the oven, taking on that golden, glossy finish from the maple and butter glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really comes from the balance of ingredients here. You get the sweetness from the maple syrup and cinnamon, the savory touch from thyme and salt, plus the richness of butter and the crunch of toasted walnuts. When you pick your sweet potatoes, look for firm ones without bruises for the best texture.

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized, firm tubers—they roast evenly and taste naturally sweet.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Unsalted lets you control the saltiness and gives a rich flavor without overpowering.
• Cinnamon: Adds that warm spiced aroma that pairs beautifully with maple and sweet potatoes.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory notes, don’t skip it!
• Pepper: Just a hint to balance the sweetness with a little bite.
• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup if you can—it adds depth and a natural sweetness that’s hard to beat.
• Chopped Walnuts: Toast them lightly, they’ll bring a perfect crunch and a slightly bitter contrast.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds a lovely herbal brightness that takes this sweet potato dish to the next level.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. It’s super adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs—personalization keeps the recipe exciting!

• Pecans instead of Walnuts: I swapped walnuts with pecans once, and that buttery crunch was deliciously different but just as satisfying.
• Adding a pinch of smoked paprika: For a subtle smoky touch, which makes these sweet potatoes even more crave-worthy.
• Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter: Great for a dairy-free or vegan version—just expect a slightly different flavor profile but still super tasty.
• Fresh rosemary instead of thyme: Sometimes I switch herbs for a piney, fragrant twist that pairs nicely with walnuts and maple.

How to Make Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling (or scrubbing well if you like the skins on) your sweet potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized cubes — about 1-inch pieces work best. This way, they’ll cook evenly and caramelize beautifully. I always try to keep the pieces consistent so you’re not stuck with some mushy bits and others still firm. Pro tip: Rinse the cubes briefly in cold water and pat dry to remove excess starch, which helps them roast crisper.

Step 2: Make the Maple Cinnamon Glaze

In a bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with your cinnamon, salt, pepper, and ⅓ cup of maple syrup. Whisk it well so it’s smooth and evenly combined. This glaze is the heart of the recipe—it coats every piece with that sweet and spiced goodness. Remember to taste it (if you dare) before combining, just to make sure the balance feels right for you!

Step 3: Toss and Roast

Place your sweet potato cubes in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour the glaze over and toss to coat each cube evenly (I usually use my hands for this—it’s messier but worth it!). Spread them out in a single layer to avoid steaming. Pop them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and caramelized around the edges.

Step 4: Add Walnuts and Thyme

About 10 minutes before they finish roasting, sprinkle your chopped walnuts and thyme over the sweet potatoes. This timing keeps the nuts toasty but not burnt, letting them retain that satisfying crunch and fresh herbal flavor. Then place back in the oven until everything finishes caramelizing and smells utterly divine.

How to Serve Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish these sweet potatoes with a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make the flavors pop and sometimes a drizzle more of maple syrup if I’m really feeling sweet. Fresh thyme leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a pretty touch and extra aroma. If you want a zing, a tiny splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving can lift everything beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully as a side to roasted chicken or pork. I often serve it alongside a simple green salad or some sautéed spinach for a complete, balanced meal. On holiday tables, it’s a perfect complement to turkey or ham, adding a sweet-savory counterpoint to richer meats.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I like to arrange these roasted sweet potatoes in a shallow decorative bowl and garnish with whole toasted walnuts and sprigs of thyme for a rustic look. Another fun way is to serve them on a large platter with different nut toppings, letting guests choose their favorite crunch — it’s always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or holiday gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Before storing, make sure the potatoes are completely cooled to avoid sogginess. The walnuts get a little softer in the fridge, but I still love the texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, spread the cooled roasted sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from clumping together. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture is slightly softer but still good for reheating in casseroles or as a side.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive the crisp edges without drying out the potatoes. Microwave works in a pinch but can make them a bit mushy. If you want to crisp up the walnuts again, a quick 3-5 minutes under the broiler at the end works wonders—just watch them closely!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those rare dishes that’s incredibly easy but consistently unforgettable. The way the maple syrup and cinnamon mingle with the buttery potatoes and crunchy walnuts is pure comfort food magic. I highly encourage you to give it a try the next time you want a side dish that’s both cozy and a little bit fancy—your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will definitely ask for the recipe!

Print