If you’re craving something cozy and naturally sweet, this Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is just the thing. Perfect for a comforting weeknight side or a festive holiday table, these sweet potatoes get beautifully caramelized with a sticky, fragrant maple glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love This
This cozy dish marries the natural sweetness of tender roasted sweet potatoes with the deep, woody warmth of maple syrup and cinnamon. Every bite is a little bite of caramelized magic, and it’s surprisingly simple to nail right in your own kitchen.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The sweet potatoes come out soft inside with a just-slightly crisp surface, coated in a sweet but not overpowering maple glaze.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Roasting at a high heat gives them a gorgeous toasty edge that balances perfectly with their tender centers.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have everything needed already—sweet potatoes, butter or coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and a few spices.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: Only about 40 minutes total from start to finish, this recipe is great for busy nights or special occasions alike.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing the right sweet potatoes and quality maple syrup really elevates this simple recipe. Fresh, firm sweet potatoes and pure maple syrup make all the difference for flavor and texture.
- Sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned varieties without soft spots for best roasting results.
- Pure maple syrup: Using 100% real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) brings that rich, authentic sweetness.
- Butter or coconut oil: Butter adds a creamy richness, while coconut oil offers a subtly tropical twist and works well for dairy-free.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground, if possible, to maximize warm spice aroma.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into even 1-inch cubes — uniform pieces ensure even roasting. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your butter or coconut oil gently so it’s liquid but not browned. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the melted fat, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of black pepper if you like a bit of warmth. Toss those sweet cubes in this maple-scented mixture until every piece is coated — you’ll notice the aroma gets irresistible right here.
Step 2 — Roast and Toast
Line a baking sheet with parchment to keep things clean, and spread the glazed sweet potatoes out in a single layer with some space to breathe. This helps them roast instead of steam. Slide the tray into the hot oven and let them roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown sheen and aroma that fills your kitchen — the sweet potatoes will be tender and have a lightly crisp, caramelized exterior. I like to peek early to make sure things aren’t burning, then flip with a spatula for even browning.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
After the last flip, roast until fork-tender and beautifully caramelized — you can test by poking a cube with a fork; it should slide in smoothly but not collapse. If your potatoes are browning too fast, lower the temperature by 10-15 degrees or cover loosely with foil for the final stretch. Let them cool slightly on the pan before serving to let that maple glaze set up into a toffee-like coating. This finishing step is where the magic happens — the contrast between the soft interior and crisp maple glaze is what keeps me coming back to this recipe.
Smart Little Tips
From my kitchen to yours: these tips helped me perfect this Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe, so I’m passing them on to keep you on the right track.
- Doneness Cue: Fork-tender with edges browned but not burnt, giving a slight resistance without mushiness.
- Temperature Trick: High heat roasts quickly but keep an eye to avoid scorching the sugars in the maple syrup.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prep and toss the sweet potatoes in glaze a few hours ahead, refrigerate, then roast straight from cold.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overcrowd the pan — it causes steaming rather than roasting, losing that crisp finish.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I love finishing these maple glazed sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast. A little fresh chopped parsley or thyme takes the flavor up a notch and adds a pop of green that feels fresh. If you want extra color and zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
Pair It With
This sweet and savory treat pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, pork loin, or a simple grilled salmon. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty grain salad or crispy sautéed greens for a lovely textural balance.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For a cozy weeknight, pile them into a rustic bowl with a fresh herb garnish. For something more festive, spread them on a large platter, drizzle with extra maple syrup, and scatter toasted nuts and microgreens for a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sweet potatoes will soften slightly but still retain good flavor. A quick reheat can refresh their texture nicely.
Freezing Tips
These freeze okay if wrapped tightly or placed in a freezer-safe container, though the texture may soften on thawing. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to avoid mushiness. For best taste, enjoy fresh if you can!
Reheating Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe Without Drying Out
The best way to reheat without drying them out is in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to trap moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes to revive caramelization. The air fryer also works well for a quick crisp. Microwaving works but can sometimes make them a bit soggy—add a splash of water and cover to keep moisture balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Swap butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter alternative, and you'll keep the richness without any dairy.
Keep a close eye on the roasting process and flip the potatoes halfway through. If the edges brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or cover loosely with foil.
You can, but the maple glaze really complements the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes better. White potatoes will give you a different flavor profile but can still be delicious.
Definitely! Nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of chili powder can add nice warmth or a subtle kick, just adjust to your taste.
Final Thoughts
PrintPrint Recipe
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Delicious maple glazed sweet potatoes roasted to tender perfection with a blend of cinnamon, butter, and pure maple syrup for a sweet and savory side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces approximately 1 inch to ensure even cooking.
- Melt Fat. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter or coconut oil until liquid for easy blending with other ingredients.
- Make Glaze. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter or coconut oil with maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper; stir until well-blended to create a flavorful glaze.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the maple glaze.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes. Spread the coated sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even caramelization, until fork-tender and golden brown.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil as suggested.
- Ensure sweet potato pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Flipping halfway through roasting helps achieve a crisp and caramelized exterior.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth in flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons.
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