The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes mingling with maple syrup wafts through the air, promising warmth and comfort in every bite. Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture that will make you question why you ever settled for plain old mashed potatoes.
Growing up, my family often served maple walnut sweet potatoes during Thanksgiving. The blend of sweetness and nuttiness always brought smiles to our faces as we gathered around the table, ready to dig in. It’s a dish that screams festive cheer and cozy family gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe combines simple ingredients for a delicious dish that looks stunning on any table
- You can serve it at holiday feasts or casual dinners
- Easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to impress your guests
- The combination of maple and walnuts creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and indulgent
When I first made this dish for friends, their delighted reactions made me feel like a culinary superhero. One friend even declared it her new favorite side!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup; it adds a rich sweetness that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Walnuts: Use chopped walnuts; they provide a crunchy contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the warm flavors; choose fresh ground for better taste.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness while adding creaminess to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for a flavorful journey with these simple steps.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
Toss with Flavors: In a large bowl, combine chopped sweet potatoes with melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
Add Walnuts: Gently fold in chopped walnuts to add crunch. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour everything into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every piece gets that delicious caramelization.
Bake Away!: Place in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown on top.
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent!
This delightful Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes recipe is not just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter, joy, and perhaps a few happy tears—especially when you taste how good it is! Enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it!
You Must Know
- Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes are not just delicious; they also brighten up any meal with their vibrant colors and irresistible aroma
- The blend of sweet maple syrup and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast that’s simply unforgettable
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, then boil until fork-tender. Next, drain and mix them with maple syrup and crushed walnuts before roasting for a crispy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in pecans for walnuts or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. You can also drizzle more maple syrup before serving for added sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose sweet potatoes that feel heavy and firm; avoid any with soft spots
- When mixing, be gentle to keep some chunks intact, adding texture to the dish
- For an extra crunch, toast the walnuts before adding them to enhance their flavor
Cooking Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes has become a family favorite at our holiday gatherings, where they never last long on the table!
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work great as alternatives in this recipe.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are done cooking?
Fork-tender sweet potatoes indicate they’re cooked perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything and store it; roast just before serving for freshness.
Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes are a sweet and nutty side dish that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a festive delight, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes for even cooking.
- Toss the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Gently fold in chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving; drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg