This Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe With Maple Glaze is the kind of dish that brings warmth, aroma, and irresistible caramelization to your table with almost no effort. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with a glossy maple glaze that adds depth without overpowering. This is a side dish I find myself making all year—holiday dinners, weeknight meals, even weekend brunch. The first time I tested it, I swapped the butter for coconut oil just to experiment, and it worked wonderfully, lending a subtle nuttiness. What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity: minimal ingredients, hands-off roasting, and consistent, crowd-pleasing results. Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, grilled pork, or a hearty vegetarian main, these maple-glazed sweet potatoes elevate the plate with their soft interior and golden, lightly crisp edges.
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Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe With Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender roasted sweet potatoes coated in a caramelized maple glaze, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Drizzle with additional warm maple syrup before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, roast an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy variation.
- Pairs well with roasted chicken, turkey, or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a beautifully caramelized, flavor-packed side dish. The glaze is simple yet luxurious, and the oven does most of the work.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sweet potatoes
These form the hearty base of the recipe. When roasted, they become tender on the inside with beautifully caramelized edges that soak up the maple glaze.
Maple syrup
This is the star of the glaze. It brings natural sweetness and helps the potatoes develop a glossy finish as they roast.
Butter or coconut oil
Butter creates richness, while coconut oil adds a subtle, earthy note. Both help the glaze cling to the potatoes.
Olive oil
This ensures the potatoes roast evenly and crisp slightly on the edges while preventing sticking.
Salt
A necessary contrast that enhances both the sweet and savory elements in the dish.
Black pepper
Adds mild heat and depth to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Cinnamon
A warm spice that pairs beautifully with maple and sweet potatoes, deepening the overall flavor.
Nutmeg
Used sparingly, nutmeg introduces a gentle aromatic quality that elevates the glaze.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Peel the sweet potatoes if preferred, then cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform roasting. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat and spread into a single layer to encourage caramelization rather than steaming. Roast for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. While the potatoes bake, prepare the glaze by gently warming the maple syrup, butter (or coconut oil), cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. After the initial roasting time, pour the warm glaze over the sweet potatoes and toss to fully coat. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and the potatoes to caramelize. Remove from the oven once the edges are golden and slightly crisp. Serve immediately while the glaze is still warm and glossy.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45–50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to revive the caramelized texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the edges and diminishes the glaze.
Variations and Customizations
Savory Herb Version
Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with rosemary or thyme for a more savory, aromatic profile.
Spicy Maple Glaze
Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to introduce heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Orange-Maple Twist
Stir a splash of orange juice or fresh zest into the glaze for brightness and citrus complexity.
Pecan Crunch Upgrade
Sprinkle chopped pecans during the final minutes of roasting for added texture and nutty richness.
Balsamic Maple Glaze
Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for depth and a subtle tang.
Butter-Free Option
Use coconut oil exclusively for a dairy-free variation that still delivers wonderful flavor.
Smoky Variation
Add smoked paprika to the seasoning for a warm, smoky undertone.
Holiday Version
Include a pinch of clove and allspice for a more festive, wintry aroma.
Maple-Mustard Glaze
Whisk a small amount of Dijon mustard into the glaze for a tangier, more savory profile.
Budget-Friendly Mix-In
Combine sweet potatoes with regular potatoes to stretch the recipe while maintaining great flavor.
FAQs
Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the skin becomes tender when roasted and adds extra nutrients.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey works well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I keep the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Ensure they are spread in a single layer and roast at a high temperature.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, simply rewarm it before tossing with the potatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they reheat well and pair with many proteins and grains.
Can I air fry the sweet potatoes?
Yes, reduce the cooking time and shake the basket halfway through.
Why are my potatoes not caramelizing?
If they’re too crowded, they will steam instead of roast.
Can I cut the potatoes into wedges instead?
Yes, adjust the cooking time slightly as wedges may take longer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe With Maple Glaze delivers an irresistible blend of sweetness, warmth, and subtle spice, making it a versatile side dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients and reliable results, it brings both comfort and elegance to the table. Whether you enjoy it as written or experiment with the variations above, it is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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