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
Scale
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.
