Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries and Walnuts Recipe
A delicious and wholesome side dish featuring tender maple roasted sweet potatoes perfectly caramelized and complemented by the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted walnuts. This recipe is easy to make and brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Toss Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly so the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture for consistent roasting and flavor.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the coated sweet potato cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to allow for even caramelization and tenderness.
- Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently stir in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly.
- Warm Through: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes. This step warms the cranberries and walnuts, enhancing their flavors and adding a slight toasty note to the walnuts.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes mixed with cranberries and walnuts to a serving dish and enjoy them warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can toast the walnuts separately in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the dish.
- If you prefer your cranberries less tart, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before mixing them in.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- To make it vegan, ensure your maple syrup is pure and no animal products are added.
