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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, nutty, and savory flavors with a delightful crispy edge, then this Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These tender sweet potato rounds are roasted to golden perfection and then drizzled with a luscious maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, sprinkled with crunchy chopped pecans, creating an irresistible combo that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re serving them as a vibrant side or a warm snack, these slices bring both cozy sweetness and hearty texture to your table all in one beautiful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays its part, from the natural sweetness and creaminess of the sweet potatoes to the rich nuttiness of pecans, and the glossy, caramelized finish from the maple syrup and brown sugar.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for perfect slices that hold their shape and roast evenly.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps the potatoes brown beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes while balancing the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Provides a warm, earthy sweetness that caramelizes during roasting.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Amplifies the caramel notes and deepens the glaze’s complexity.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Offers a crunchy, nutty contrast that’s pure perfection when toasted and coated in syrup.
How to Make Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and speed cleanup. Carefully slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds – this thickness is crucial to ensuring they roast evenly without drying out or undercooking. Having all your ingredients ready and measured makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Season the Sweet Potato Slices
In a large bowl, toss the sliced sweet potatoes with the melted butter, salt, and pepper. The butter not only infuses each slice with buttery goodness but also helps the seasonings stick, resulting in a beautifully golden crust as they roast.
Step 3: Begin Roasting
Spread the seasoned sweet potato slices out in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and roast for about 20 minutes. At this point, the bottoms will start browning nicely and softening, setting the stage for the next flavorful step.
Step 4: Add the Maple Pecan Glaze
While the potatoes roast, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a small bowl. Once the first roasting phase is complete, carefully flip each sweet potato slice to expose the browned side upward, then evenly spoon the maple syrup mixture over the top. This step transforms the dish from simple roasted potatoes into something truly special.
Step 5: Final Roast and Serve
Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just enough time for the syrup to bubble and caramelize slightly. Keep an eye on the oven during this step to avoid burning your sweet potato slices. Once done, these maple pecan roasted slices are best served warm, immediately straight from the oven for that ideal combination of crisp edges and gooey, nutty topping.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving game, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving to brighten the flavors. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme add an aromatic contrast to the sweetness, and a drizzle of extra maple syrup appeals to those who love an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
These sweet potato slices make an exceptional complement to savory mains such as roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even grilled salmon. They also fit seamlessly alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, rounding out a meal with seasonal goodness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, arrange the maple pecan roasted sweet potato slices on a rustic wooden board with dollops of whipped goat cheese or a tangy yogurt dip. You can also layer them in a casserole dish topped with crumbled feta and baked until bubbly for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover maple pecan roasted sweet potato slices into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy their rich flavor without any fuss for a few extra meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted sweet potato slices by first arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw completely before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped to your liking. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve their delightful roasted texture and the sticky pecan glaze.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in this recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts are a wonderful alternative and will provide a slightly different but equally delicious nutty crunch to the dish. Just make sure to chop them roughly the same size as pecans for even roasting.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional and depends on your texture preference. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrition, plus a rustic touch, but peeled slices roast up a bit softer and more tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the melted butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and you’ll keep all the deliciousness with a vegan-friendly twist.
How do I prevent the maple syrup from burning?
Since maple syrup can burn quickly at high heat, it’s important to add it midway through roasting and keep a close watch during the final baking stage. If your oven tends to run hot, you can lower the temperature slightly and increase baking time for more control.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can roast the sweet potato slices up to the point of adding the maple pecan mixture and keep them covered in the fridge. Then finish baking right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting and joyful about this Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience full of warm, sweet, and nutty flavors. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones—it’s guaranteed to become a fixture on your table, bringing smiles and happy taste buds every time.
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Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices, a perfect balance of natural sweetness and nutty crunch. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are tossed with butter, seasoned, and roasted to golden perfection before being glazed with a luscious maple syrup and brown sugar mixture topped with chopped pecans. This easy oven-baked side dish brings a cozy, comforting flavor ideal for fall meals or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into ½-inch rounds (peeled if desired)
Seasoning and Glaze
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Gather and prepare all your ingredients. For even cooking, ensure the sweet potatoes are sliced into uniform ½-inch rounds.
- Season sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with melted butter, and season well with salt and pepper. Make sure each slice is evenly coated to foster a rich flavor and crispy texture during roasting.
- Bake sweet potatoes: Arrange the coated sweet potato slices in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the bottoms to brown nicely, which adds a delightful caramelized flavor.
- Add maple syrup mixture: While the potatoes bake, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a small bowl. After 20 minutes, carefully flip each sweet potato slice, then evenly spoon the maple syrup mixture over the top.
- Finish baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the syrup starts to bubble and caramelize. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once done, remove from oven and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- If you prefer a vegan option, replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Slicing sweet potatoes uniformly ensures even roasting; use a mandoline slicer for consistency.
- Watch closely in the final baking stage to prevent the maple syrup from burning.
- These slices are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
