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, sweet aroma of roasted sweet potatoes kissed with maple syrup that instantly feels like comfort on a plate. This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is one of my go-to sides because it’s simple, flavorful, and turns ordinary sweet potatoes into a memorable dish you’ll want again and again.

The image shows a white plate filled with roasted orange sweet potato chunks mixed with brown pecans. The sweet potato pieces have a shiny, glazed texture, and the pecans are scattered evenly throughout. On the left side of the plate, there is a small bundle of fresh green rosemary sprigs placed under the sweet potatoes. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth with a decorative edge is partially visible at the bottom left corner. 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

This recipe is a true winner because it combines just the right balance of sweetness, warmth, and roastiness. I love how the maple syrup caramelizes on the edges, giving these sweet potatoes a tender yet slightly crispy texture that’s hard to beat.

Effortlessly Delicious: A handful of simple ingredients come together for a standout side dish with minimal fuss.
Perfect Texture: Roasting at high heat crisps the outside while keeping the inside melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Flavor Magic: The combo of maple syrup and cinnamon brings sweet warmth without being overpowering.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Works beautifully with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.

The image shows many pieces of roasted sweet potatoes spread out on a baking sheet. Each piece is cut into thick, irregular chunks with a slightly shiny, caramelized orange surface that glistens in the light, and the skin is left on, showing a darker brown color. The pieces are arranged in a loose, scattered way, showing the rough texture and soft inside of the sweet potatoes. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a big role in making your maple roasted sweet potatoes taste amazing. Choosing the right sweet potatoes and pure maple syrup really makes a difference, so here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare.

Flat lay of fresh whole sweet potatoes with bright orange flesh visible from one cut in half, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pure amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small pile of shiny candied pecans scattered artistically—all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed 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: Look for firm, bright orange sweet potatoes that aren’t bruised or sprouting; those have the best flavor and texture for roasting.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil to help with caramelization and roasting—plus it adds subtle richness.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and cuts through the sweetness with just a touch of savory balance.
Pure Maple Syrup: The star sweetener here — avoid pancake syrups and go for real maple syrup for authentic depth and flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a welcoming spice note that complements the maple and sweet potato beautifully.
Chopped Candied Pecans or Walnuts (Optional): These add a fantastic crunch and an extra layer of sweetness, perfect for garnishing.

📝

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

I’ve played around with this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough to know you can easily make it your own. Whether you prefer a little more spice or want to add a fresh herb touch, there’s lots of room to customize.

Variation: I sometimes toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle smoky kick — it’s a fun twist if you want a little heat.
Herb Upgrade: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprinkled on right before serving adds a fragrant, savory contrast to the sweetness.
Sweet Swap: Try drizzling a bit of honey instead of maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand, although maple gives a uniquely rich flavor.
Nuts Alternative: If you’re nut-free, toasted pumpkin seeds work as a crunchy garnish without overpowering the dish.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—makes cleanup a breeze. Giving the pan a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray helps the sweet potatoes crisp without sticking.

Step 2: Toss Sweet Potatoes with Olive Oil and Salt

Cut your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss thoroughly to coat every piece—this is what helps them roast up beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Keeping them spaced out ensures that crispiness!

Step 3: Roast for 20 Minutes

Pop the pan into the oven and let the sweet potatoes roast in that dry heat. After 20 minutes, they’ll start to soften and get some golden edges — this is when the magic really begins. Avoid stirring yet so they can crisp up undisturbed.

Step 4: Drizzle with Maple Cinnamon Mixture

While roasting, mix your pure maple syrup and cinnamon in a small bowl. When the timer goes off, pull out the sweet potatoes and carefully drizzle this syrupy blend over the cubes. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, then spread them out again in a single layer. This step infuses that warm, sweet flavor that sets this recipe apart.

Step 5: Final Roast and Crisp

Return the potatoes to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. I always check around 5 minutes just to be safe—they can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt pretty fast at this stage! Give them a halfway stir to ensure even roasting.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once out of the oven, transfer your sweet potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped candied pecans or walnuts if you’re in the mood for some crunch. Serve immediately—you’ll love how the warm maple glaze tastes right off the tray.

Top Tip

After making the Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe dozens of times, I found a few tricks that really help nail the texture and flavor every single time.

Even Cubes: Cutting your sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures they roast evenly and prevents some from burning while others stay undercooked.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give those cubes space. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, and you’ll lose that perfect caramelization.
Watch That Final Roast: The last 5 to 10 minutes with maple syrup are crucial but easy to overdo. Keep an eye, and stir once halfway through to get that golden crust without burning.
Use Real Maple Syrup: Believe me, using pure maple syrup—not pancake syrup—gives you an unmistakable richness and natural sweetness that’s worth the splurge.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

maple roasted sweet potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always finish with a sprinkle of chopped candied pecans or walnuts—it adds that irresistible crunch and balances out the softness. Sometimes, fresh thyme leaves or a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup right before serving makes it feel even cozier.

Side Dishes

These sweet potatoes are a dream alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a hearty green salad. They also shine as part of a holiday plate with stuffing and cranberry sauce. I love pairing them with something savory to contrast the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the maple roasted sweet potatoes on a beautiful platter with fresh herbs scattered on top. You could also stuff roasted sweet potato halves with this mixture for a fun twist. Presentation feels special without any extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover maple roasted sweet potatoes keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find they keep their flavor nicely but can soften a bit, which is still tasty for reheated meals.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers a few times—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture softens more, so they’re best used in soups or mashed sweet potato bowls after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps revive some crispness unlike microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes work best for roasting, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes but they may release more moisture, causing them to steam instead of roast crisp. Pat them dry thoroughly before cooking and consider lowering the baking time slightly.

What type of maple syrup is best to use?

I recommend using 100% pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A for the best balance of sweetness and maple flavor. Avoid pancake syrup or flavored syrups as they contain additives and won’t caramelize the same way.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup and olive oil. Just skip any nut garnishes if you have allergies or substitute with seeds.

How can I make these sweet potatoes extra crispy?

To get extra crispiness, be sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces and avoid overcrowding the pan. Roast at a high temperature (425°F) and stir gently halfway through roasting. You can also broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe feels like a hug in food form. I can’t recommend it enough when you want a side that’s both easy and show-stopping. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite fall and holiday staple, just like it is in my kitchen!