Name: Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium Sweet Potatoes; 1/3 cup Melted Unsalted Butter; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 1/3 cup Maple Syrup; 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup; 1/3 cup Chopped Walnuts; 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Thyme

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s both cozy and a little bit fancy, this Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe might just become your new favorite. I absolutely love how the sweet potatoes get tender and caramelized, while the maple walnut topping adds this unbeatable crunch and depth of flavor. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or just want something comforting any day of the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, nutty, and a touch of warm spice all come together perfectly.
Easy to make: Few ingredients and straightforward steps mean no stress in the kitchen.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday table or weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: You can easily swap out nuts or add herbs to suit your taste.

The image shows several round, golden-brown slices of roasted sweet potatoes arranged closely on a baking tray. Each slice is topped with small pieces of chopped nuts and fresh green herbs, all coated in a shiny, sticky glaze that makes the surface glisten. The sweet potato edges are slightly crisp and darker than the softer, orange centers. The baking tray has browned spots and a slightly oily texture, contrasting with the bright orange of the sweet potatoes. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in harmony for that cozy maple sweetness paired beautifully with toasted walnuts and cinnamon spice. I often buy fresh thyme and good quality maple syrup — it really makes a difference for a vibrant flavor.

Sweet Potatoes: I like using medium ones for easier slicing, and leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
Melted Unsalted Butter: You can swap with olive oil if you want a dairy-free option, but butter adds richness that I adore here.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground if you have it, it enhances the warm flavors wonderfully.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the natural sweetness.
Pepper: Adds a gentle kick, balancing the flavors.
Maple Syrup: The star of the topping! Go for pure maple syrup for the best taste.
Chopped Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide that irresistible crunch and nutty depth.
Thyme: Fresh if possible – the herbaceous note pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.

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

I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. You’ll find that this Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is pretty forgiving and lends itself well to personalization, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking.

Nut swaps: I once used pecans instead of walnuts for a slightly sweeter crunch—my family loved it.
Herbs: Rosemary works beautifully if you don’t have thyme; it gives a lovely piney aroma.
Dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper gives the sweet potatoes a surprising but delicious kick.

How to Make Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by cleaning your sweet potatoes well. You can peel them if you want, but I like to keep the skin on for texture and nutrients. Slice them into ½-inch thick rounds — not too thin, or they’ll get mushy, and not too thick so they cook through evenly. A sharp knife makes this part easier, and I keep a steady hand here to get uniform slices.

Step 2: Toss with Butter, Cinnamon, and Seasonings

In a large bowl or, my favorite trick, a ziplock bag, add the melted butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add your sweet potato slices and toss or shake until every piece is beautifully coated. Using the bag saves dishes and evenly distributes the flavors, which I learned after several messy attempts mixing by hand!

Step 3: Roast Until Nearly Tender

Arrange the sweet potato slices on a baking tray in a single layer. Give them a bit of breathing room so they roast instead of steam — this is key! I learned the hard way that overcrowding makes them soggy instead of perfectly caramelized. Pop them into your preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and roast for about 25-30 minutes until they’re just tender when poked with a fork.

Step 4: Prep the Maple Walnut Topping

While those sweet potatoes bake, mix together the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, the remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and thyme in a bowl. This combo is where the magic happens, turning simple roasted sweet potatoes into something truly special.

Step 5: Add Topping and Finish Roasting

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, take the tray out of the oven and spoon about a teaspoon of the maple walnut mixture onto each slice. Pop the tray back in and roast for another 8-10 minutes. You’ll see the edges start to caramelize and get that irresistible golden brown — that’s your cue to take them out.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these beauties as they are, or sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for a delightful tang. I love how the salty feta contrasts with the sweet, crunchy potatoes — so simple but so good!

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Uniform Slicing: Slice your sweet potatoes to similar thickness so they cook evenly every time.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread out slices to prevent steaming; crispy edges are where the flavor lives.
Maple Walnut Timing: Add the maple walnut mixture toward the end of baking to keep nuts crunchy and topping glossy.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme brightens the dish more than dried, so if you can, grab fresh sprigs.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

The image shows stacked slices of roasted sweet potato, each round slice deep orange with slightly crispy edges and a shiny glaze on top. On each slice, there are small clusters of chopped walnuts mixed with fresh green herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The sweet potato slices are placed on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. The close-up shot highlights the glossy coating and the rough texture of the walnuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often garnish with crumbled feta or goat cheese — the creamy saltiness pairs beautifully with the sweetness and crunch. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a few extra chopped walnuts adds visual appeal and a flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it a no-brainer for holiday dinners. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a simple quinoa salad or steamed green beans for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try stacking the sweet potato rounds like little towers topped with walnuts and a drizzle of extra maple syrup. I’ve also served them on a festive platter sprinkled with pomegranate seeds — the colors really pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When stored properly, they maintain their flavor and texture, making for quick reheat dinners or side dishes.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked sweet potato slices before, but I recommend freezing only the plain roasted slices without the maple walnut topping. The topping can get soggy after thawing. When ready, add fresh topping before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to bake leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch but can leave them a bit soft.

FAQs

Can I make this Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Wait to add the maple walnut topping until right before reheating or serving for best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have allergies?

Pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds work great as alternatives and still add that delicious crunch and nuttiness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients and is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, but reduce the quantity to about ½ teaspoon of dried thyme since it’s more concentrated. Fresh thyme gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Walnut Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to wow my family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The combo of tender-roasted sweet potatoes with that crunchy, sweet maple walnut topping is pure comfort food with a touch of elegance. Give it a try – I’m sure it’ll quickly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection, just like it is in mine!