Indulge in the flavors of fall and winter with my caramelized Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes, paired with a delicious Maple Cinnamon Butter and walnuts. This side dish is a holiday staple that’s comforting and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potatoes:
There’s something exceptional about the soft, sweet flesh of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and their crispy, caramelized skin. Plus, my Maple Cinnamon Butter and a walnut garnish takes these potatoes to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or craving a cozy side, this dish brings warmth and flavor to your table.
How to Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by selecting firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with unblemished skins. Roast them in the oven until a knife easily slides through the soft flesh, and the skins turn wonderfully crispy and puffed up. While roasting, whip up the Maple Cinnamon Butter. This accompaniment boasts the sweetness of maple syrup, a hint of warming cinnamon, and a satisfying crunch from chopped walnuts, all wrapped up in cling wrap to preserve its freshness. Once the crispy roasted sweet potatoes are ready, generously dollop the Maple Cinnamon Butter over each one.
Variations and Substitutions:
Customize this recipe to your liking and dietary preferences. Opt for vegan butter if you’re plant-based, and choose your preferred yam variety. For nut allergies, skip the walnuts or substitute with a nut of your choice. To save time or try a different method, use an air-fryer at 400°F until the sweet potatoes turn soft and caramelized. Enjoy flexibility without sacrificing flavor!
- Plant-based or vegan butter instead of regular butter
- Any variety of yam or sweet potato will work
- Leave out the walnuts or use a different nut
- Air-fry your potatoes at 400F instead of roasting them in the oven
Best Served With:
- Pair these sweet potatoes with classic Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie for a perfect holiday meal.
- These sweet potatoes are tasty on their own, with or without the Maple Cinnamon Butter, making them a great side dish alongside baked chicken or salmon.
- If you’re seeking a lighter option, these sweet potatoes also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad.
Other Fall Recipes:
Fall recipes offer a taste of seasonal comfort. Just like the Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes, these dishes capture the essence of autumn.
- Healthier Pumpkin Pie Spice Donuts
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Pumpkin Bread
- Baked Apples
Common Questions:
You can use any variety of sweet potatoes or yams that you prefer. The choice between orange-fleshed or white-fleshed sweet potatoes is a matter of personal preference.
Yes, you can partially prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time by roasting them and making the butter. Reheat the sweet potatoes in the oven and melt the butter before serving.
Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Yes, you can. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft on the inside and the skins are crispy, usually around 40 minutes but check on them every 10 minutes.
They pair wonderfully with a Thanksgiving turkey and other holiday sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy. You can also enjoy them on their own with a side of protein like baked chicken or salmon.
Absolutely, you can omit the walnuts if you have a nut allergy or replace them with a nut variety you’re not allergic to, or even skip them entirely for a nut-free version.
The sweet potatoes are done when a knife easily slides through the soft flesh, and the skins have become puffed up and crispy.
Simply substitute the regular butter with vegan butter or a plant-based margarine.
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 whole sweet potatoes (known as yams)
Maple Butter:
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon walnuts (crushed)
Optional Ingredients:
- lemon thyme for garnish
- extra walnuts on top
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the softened butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and walnuts. Stir it well and place onto a piece of plastic wrap.
- I like to wrap my butter and shape it into an oval shape making sure to twist the ends. The butter should look like it's in a candy wrapper.
- Refrigerate until solid.
- Preheat the oven to 415F.
- Wash and dry the whole sweet potatoes.
- Add them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until the potato skins have puffed up, and the skins have turned color.
- You will notice sweet potato caramelization oozing out throughout the potato. The inside should be soft when a knife is inserted.
- Depending on the size of the potato (and the oven), they can take anywhere from 1-1.5 hours.
- Take it out of the oven, cut it in half and fluff up the potato with a fork. Add a piece of the maple butter, extra walnuts on top and optionally, thyme for garnish. Enjoy!
