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

There’s something about the warm, caramelized flavor of roasted sweet potatoes that instantly feels like a cozy hug on a plate. This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe brings out that perfect balance of natural sweetness and spice with just a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon — trust me, it’s a little bit of magic worthy of your next meal.

The dish is shown on a white round plate filled with warm orange roasted pumpkin chunks that have a glossy shine, mixed with brown pecans scattered evenly across the surface. On the side of the plate, there is a small bunch of green rosemary sprigs adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled table, and a soft white cloth with a decorative edge is visible nearby. 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’ve made roasted sweet potatoes countless times, but this version with maple syrup and cinnamon takes it to a whole new level. It’s surprisingly simple but feels both festive and homey, making it a go-to side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Sweet and savory harmony: Maple syrup and cinnamon create a lovely glaze that’s not too sweet, just perfectly balanced.
Effortless preparation: Minimal ingredients and steps mean you can have it ready in under an hour without any fuss.
Crispy edges, tender centers: Roasting at a high temperature gives you that perfect texture contrast every time.
Customizable garnish: Add candied pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost that feels gourmet but is so easy.

The image shows many pieces of roasted sweet potatoes scattered on a white marbled surface. The sweet potato pieces are cut into thick chunks of uneven shapes, mostly wedges and cubes. Each piece has a shiny, glazed orange surface with a slightly crispy texture around the edges and a softer, moist orange inside. The skin is a darker orange-brown color, still attached to most pieces. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of smooth and slightly rough textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe enhances the natural sweetness and warmth of the potatoes without overwhelming them. Here’s why I love these simple but purposeful choices:

Flat lay of cubed fresh orange sweet potatoes, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of amber pure maple syrup mixed with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small pile of chopped candied pecans, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully when roasted, creating rich, flavorful bites.
Olive oil: Helps the sweet potatoes crisp up while lending a subtle fruity flavor.
Kosher salt: Brings out sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
Pure maple syrup: Adds depth with its woody sweetness, complementing the cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up the dish with a gentle spice that’s not overpowering.
Chopped candied pecans or walnuts: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch and a touch of extra sweetness.

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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

While I adore the classic maple and cinnamon combo, one of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can tweak it depending on your mood or what you have on hand, and it still turns out fantastic.

Variation: I once added a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Dietary tweaks: For a nut-free option, just leave out the candied nuts and add a sprinkle of toasted seeds instead.
Seasonal changes: In the fall, I like tossing in a bit of freshly grated ginger for an extra layer of warmth.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes Just Right

Start by peeling (if you prefer) and cutting your sweet potatoes into about 1-inch cubes. The size is key — too big and they won’t roast evenly, too small and they might turn to mush. Lining your baking sheet with parchment or foil makes cleanup way easier, and a light spray of nonstick oil keeps those cubes from sticking.

Step 2: Coat and Roast

Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and toss until every piece is nicely coated. Spread them out in a single layer so they roast evenly and get those sought-after crispy edges — crowding them will cause steaming instead. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly, then pop the tray in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Maple Cinnamon Magic

While the potatoes roast, whisk together your pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. After the initial 20 minutes, pull the pan out and drizzle this mixture over the sweet potatoes. Give everything a good stir so each cube shines with that sweet-spicy glaze, then spread them back out evenly.

Step 4: Finish Roasting to Your Desired Crispiness

Return the pan to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. I usually check at 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure they roast uniformly. Whether you like your potatoes soft with hints of crispiness or fully caramelized edges, this step is all about your preference.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving dish. If you’re feeling fancy or want a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped candied pecans or walnuts on top. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the texture in this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe makes all the difference. Getting those edges nicely caramelized while keeping the centers tender is the sweet spot—and here’s how you nail it every time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Roasting requires space so the heat can crisp the potatoes rather than steam them.
Use parchment or foil: Clean-up is a breeze, and it helps prevent sticking, so you don’t lose any delicious chunks.
Stir halfway through: Rotating the potatoes ensures they roast evenly, giving that gorgeous all-around color and texture.
Check early: Especially if your oven runs hot, check at 5 minutes after adding the maple glaze to prevent burning.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

maple roasted sweet potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish off with something crunchy. Chopped candied pecans or walnuts give a nice contrast in texture and a pop of sweetness that really rounds out the flavors beautifully. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—trust me, it’s a game changer.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs like a dream with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a cozy lentil stew. It’s versatile enough to be a weeknight staple or a festive side to your holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these sweet potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl and scatter fresh rosemary sprigs around for a beautiful aroma and festive look. Another hit is layering roasted sweet potato cubes on creamy polenta for a comforting winter side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always store them without the nuts and add fresh ones when I’m ready to serve again to keep that crisp texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen roasted sweet potatoes before and found that they lose a bit of their crispness upon thawing, but they’re still great reheated in a skillet or oven. Just spread them out on a tray to freeze before bagging so they don’t stick together.

Reheating

To bring back that roasted texture, I like reheating leftover sweet potatoes in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes rather than the microwave. It revives the edges and keeps them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Using fresh sweet potatoes gives the best texture and flavor for roasting. Frozen sweet potatoes tend to release more moisture, which can make roasting tricky and result in a softer, less caramelized dish. If you use frozen, be sure to thaw thoroughly and pat dry before roasting.

Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?

You can substitute honey if you prefer, but maple syrup has a distinct woody sweetness that pairs better with cinnamon and complements roasted sweet potatoes. Honey tends to be sweeter and can burn more easily, so watch your roasting times closely if you swap it in.

How do I get sweet potatoes perfectly crispy?

The key is to cut the potatoes evenly, use enough oil to coat them well, spread them out on the baking sheet so they’re not crowded, and roast at a high temperature (around 425°F). Stirring halfway through helps get even crisping on all sides.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup and avoid garnishes like candied nuts made with honey or butter. Just stick to plant-based toppings for a vegan-friendly side dish.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become a quiet favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple yet really elevates any meal. The combo of sweet, spicy, and crispy is irresistible, and I’m excited for you to try it and maybe even make it your own little tradition too. Once you do, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — that’s a promise.