Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes—a showstopper of a side dish that’s good enough to steal the spotlight at any dinner table. Imagine tender rounds of sweet potato, roasted to caramelized perfection, topped with crispy, cinnamon-spiced pecan praline and kissed with pure maple syrup. Each bite is a warm, nutty-sweet hug that’s both comforting and unexpectedly elegant!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Caramelization: Roasting at high heat lets the sweet potatoes get deliciously golden and crispy on the edges for the best possible texture.
  • A Praline Crunch: The quick candied pecan topping adds a sweet, crunchy contrast you’ll want to put on everything.
  • Sweet & Savory Flavor Combo: Maple syrup, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne make these sweet potatoes anything but boring.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making weeknight dinner extra-special or impressing guests at a holiday feast, this dish fits the bill every time.
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes so unforgettable? It’s all about the handful of real, vibrant ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Let’s break down how each one brings something special to the pan and the plate!

  • Pecans: Roughly chopped, these create that crave-worthy praline crunch and toast up beautifully in syrup.
  • Maple syrup: Use real maple syrup for deep, smoky sweetness—no shortcuts here!
  • Kosher salt: Essential for balancing the sweet flavors and enhancing every bite.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes and pecans.
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle heat that keeps things interesting—nothing overpowering.
  • Sweet potatoes: Peeled and sliced into thick rounds—they become tender, creamy, and caramelized when roasted.
  • Shallots: Quartered and roasted alongside the potatoes for mellow sweetness and a hint of savory goodness.
  • Olive oil: Gives the veggies that irresistible roast and keeps everything from sticking.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with syrup for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
  • Orange or lime zest (optional): For a zingy, fresh garnish that brightens each bite—try it if you love a citrusy pop!
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.

Variations

Part of the magic of Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes is how adaptable this recipe can be. Don’t be shy—feel free to riff on the ingredients and adjust to suit your favorite flavors, dietary needs, or the contents of your pantry!

  • Swap the nuts: Walnuts or almonds can easily stand in for pecans if you prefer or need a different twist.
  • Add dried fruit: Scatter a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apricots on top for extra sweetness and festive flair.
  • Go vegan: Use plant-based butter (or extra olive oil) instead of dairy butter for a completely vegan dish.
  • Spice it differently: Try pumpkin pie spice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika instead of cinnamon and cayenne for a new flavor profile.

How to Make Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Candy the Pecans

Start by whipping up the easy pecan praline topping. In a small saucepan, combine chopped pecans, a generous pour of maple syrup, a sprinkle of salt and cinnamon, and just a pinch of cayenne. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat until it bubbles and thickens, about 4 or 5 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing! Once the glaze looks syrupy and sticky, spread the mixture onto parchment to cool and harden. This brittle-like topping is absolutely addictive.

Step 2: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

While your pecan praline is setting, toss thick rounds of sweet potato and quartered shallots with olive oil and a little salt. Spread everything out on a large baking sheet—try not to overlap too much so the veggies caramelize instead of steaming. Roast in a hot oven until the potatoes are almost tender and taking on some color, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Brush with Maple Butter and Finish Roasting

While the veggies roast, melt the butter and stir in the remaining maple syrup and cinnamon to create a quick glaze. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, brush the tops of the potatoes generously, then flip and brush the other side. This extra step gives every slice a gorgeous sheen and even deeper caramel flavor. Pop everything back in the oven to finish roasting until the sweet potatoes are deeply golden, caramelized, and irresistibly tender (about 10 minutes more).

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Carefully transfer the roasted sweet potatoes and shallots to a serving platter, then break up that sweet pecan praline and scatter it all over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a flurry of orange or lime zest for brightness. The burst of citrus makes all the flavors pop!

Pro Tips for Making Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes

  • Even Slicing: Try to keep your sweet potato rounds roughly the same thickness (about ½ inch) so they cook evenly and look gorgeous on the platter.
  • Don’t Crow the Pan: Give your potatoes and shallots plenty of breathing room—this ensures they’ll roast and caramelize instead of steaming and turning soggy.
  • Cooling for Crunch: Let the pecan praline set completely before crumbling, or it won’t get that satisfying brittle crunch.
  • Citrus Garnish Alert: Zest your orange or lime directly over the hot sweet potatoes right before serving for the brightest, freshest aroma and flavor.

How to Serve Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A finishing touch can take Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes over the top. Try a shower of fresh orange or lime zest just before serving for a citrus pop, or scatter extra chopped toasted pecans for more crunch. If you love color, snip a little fresh thyme or parsley over the top—the green against all that golden orange is stunning.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to everything from classic roasted turkey or chicken to a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian spread, pair with a bright kale salad or a hearty grain pilaf. The sweet-and-savory combination makes Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes a delicious companion to almost any main course, especially during holiday feasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Layer the sweet potato rounds in concentric circles on a serving platter, sprinkle the praline mixture artfully, and tuck in slices of citrus for drama. For a party, thread roasted sweet potato cubes onto skewers with pecans for a finger-friendly appetizer. Leftovers make a fun breakfast hash—just chop and crisp in a skillet!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes? No problem! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sweet potatoes hold up well, and the praline keeps a nice crunch if stored separately (just sprinkle it on when reheating).

Freezing

While you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes (packed flat and sealed tightly for up to 2 months), the pecan praline is best made fresh. If you must freeze, do so without the topping and add freshly made praline after reheating for that irresistible crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sweet potatoes and shallots on a baking sheet and warm in a 350ºF oven until heated through—this helps revive that edge crispness. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend for texture. Top with the reserved praline and a fresh hit of zest just before serving for best results.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

    Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and shallots a day in advance, then reheat them in the oven just before serving. Make the pecan praline topping and store it in an airtight container at room temperature—wait to add it until right before serving to keep it crunchy.

  2. What if I don’t like pecans or have a nut allergy?

    No worries! You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans, or skip the nuts entirely and try pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for crunch—just keep an eye out if nut allergies are a concern.

  3. Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?

    Absolutely! To make Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a crowd, just multiply the ingredients as needed. Use two baking sheets, giving the potatoes plenty of space to roast and caramelize properly.

  4. Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?

    Peeled sweet potatoes give you the smoothest, creamiest bite and let the glaze soak in, but if you love the extra fiber and rustic look, you can certainly scrub well and leave the skins on.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a holiday-worthy side dish—or just want to add a little magic to an everyday meal—Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes never disappoint. They’re golden, glossy, and packed with cozy, craveable flavors. Give this recipe a try and let it become a new comfort classic in your kitchen—you (and your lucky guests) will be so glad you did!

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Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the nutty crunch of pecans, all glazed with a flavorful maple syrup mixture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pecan Praline Mixture:

  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (sub walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. maple syrup, divided
  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Sweet Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced crosswise into 1/2” rounds
  • 2 medium shallots, peeled and quartered
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • Orange or lime zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Pecan Praline Mixture: Combine pecans, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, and cayenne in a small saucepan. Cook until bubbly and thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Spread onto parchment paper to cool.
  3. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Toss sweet potatoes and shallots with olive oil and salt. Bake until almost tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Make Maple Butter Glaze: Microwave butter until melted, then stir in maple syrup and cinnamon. Brush sweet potato slices with the glaze and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Assemble: Transfer sweet potatoes to a platter, top with pecan mixture, and garnish with zest.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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