Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, perfectly sweet but savory side, you have to try this Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to make but has this rich, comforting flavor that’s just irresistible. I absolutely love this recipe because it blends the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a sticky maple glaze and the satisfying crunch of pecans—trust me, your family will go crazy for it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in building the layers of flavor for this Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe. I always recommend using fresh sweet potatoes for the best natural sweetness, and good-quality maple syrup makes a big difference in that signature glaze.

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm ones without blemishes; I like to keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, but peeling is fine too.
• Unsalted Butter: Melting it allows for even coating; using unsalted helps you control the salt later.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; fresh cinnamon makes the dish pop.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Pepper: Just a touch for subtle heat.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky undertone that matches the maple glaze perfectly.
• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for that rich, authentic sweetness.
• Pecans: Toasted and chopped, they bring a lovely crunch and nuttiness.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme balances sweetness with earthiness—it’s my secret ingredient here.

Variations

I love how flexible this Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to suit different moods and dietary needs — you’ll find that a little creativity can make it your own.

• Spice it Up: When I’m feeling adventurous, I add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo that my family can’t get enough of.
• Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite or you’re allergic, walnuts or even toasted almonds work just as well.
• Herb Switch-Up: Fresh rosemary can replace thyme for a piney aroma—great if you want something a little different.
• Make it Vegan: Simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based alternative, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes Like a Pro

Start by washing your sweet potatoes well, then slice them into ½-inch rounds. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like the skin on for extra texture and fiber. Keeping the slices uniform helps them cook evenly, so grab a sharp knife and take your time here.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasoned Butter Coating

In a large bowl (or a ziplock bag for easy tossing), combine melted unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle in the sweet potato slices and gently toss until each slice is beautifully coated. The butter helps that seasoning stick and kickstarts caramelization in the oven.

Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Just Starting to Brown

Arrange your coated sweet potato slices on a baking sheet in a single layer—make sure not to overcrowd, or they’ll steam instead of roasting. Pop them in a preheated oven at 380°F (200°C) and roast for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for slices that are tender when poked with a fork but still hold their shape, with lightly caramelized edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Maple Pecan Glaze

While the sweet potatoes roast, combine the maple syrup with the remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup, chopped pecans, the rest of the cinnamon, and thyme in a small bowl. This glaze is the star of the show — sweet, aromatic, and nutty.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Roasting

Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove the tray and spoon about a teaspoon of the maple pecan glaze over each slice. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized around the edges. This is when the magic happens — those edges get irresistibly sticky and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these right out of the oven, plain or topped with crumbled feta for a creamy contrast. I love how the salty feta balances the sweet glaze — it’s always a hit at my dinner table.

How to Serve Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my plated sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for creaminess and an extra handful of toasted pecans for crunch. Sometimes, a little fresh thyme sprig on top adds a lovely pop of color and aroma. I also tried dolloping some Greek yogurt alongside for a tangy contrast that’s delightful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or grilled chicken if you’re serving a full meal. For a plant-based feast, I love it alongside sautéed greens, quinoa salad, or a warm lentil stew. It’s hearty enough to stand out but gentle enough to complement other flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I spread the glazed sweet potato slices out on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter, scattering fresh herbs and extra pecans around for an inviting look. Sometimes I brush a little extra maple syrup on top before serving so they glisten under the lights—it always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that the glaze might thicken a bit overnight but revives nicely with gentle reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times by spreading the roasted sweet potato slices on a tray, freezing them until solid, then transferring to freezer bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months, though I recommend adding fresh pecans and glaze when reheating for the best crunch and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the sweet potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to warm through and re-crisp the edges. If the glaze has thickened too much, a light brush of maple syrup before warming brings back that irresistible stickiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe has truly become one of my go-to favorites when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of work. I remember the first time I made it for a holiday meal—the sweet aroma filled the whole house, and everyone kept asking for seconds. If you’re looking to impress family or simply enjoy a cozy, flavorful side, you should definitely give this recipe a try. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

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