These caramelized sweet potatoes are tender, golden, and perfectly coated in maple syrup and warm spices. Topped with creamy feta, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweet, savory, and full of flavor
- Crispy edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks
- Easy to customize with different nuts, cheeses, or herbs
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted nuts, roughly chopped (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded for better caramelization.
4. Roast Until Caramelized
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and edges are nicely caramelized.
5. Add Toppings
Remove from the oven. While still warm, sprinkle with crumbled feta, toasted nuts, and fresh parsley.
6. Serve
Serve immediately, warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
- Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- For extra caramelization, roast on the top rack during the last 5 minutes.
- Replace feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- If using raw nuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan for richer flavor.
- Add a drizzle of extra maple syrup before serving if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup.
- Add roasted chickpeas or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Replace parsley with cilantro, thyme, or rosemary.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap feta for plant-based cheese to make the dish dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled meats.
- Add to a fall or holiday buffet table.
- Serve over mixed greens for a warm salad.
- Pair with salmon or baked tofu for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid freezing, as sweet potatoes may become mushy.
- Add fresh feta and herbs after reheating for best flavor.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time and add toppings just before serving.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely. Goat cheese, queso fresco, or ricotta salata work beautifully.
What nuts work best?
Walnuts, pecans, and almonds all pair well with maple and sweet potatoes.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use a vegan feta alternative and ensure your maple syrup is vegan-certified.