Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

Alright, these Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes? Total comfort food. They’re soft, buttery, and coated in sweet maple syrup with crunchy toasted pecans on top—so cozy and so good.

I made them for dinner one night, and everyone wanted seconds. That mix of creamy sweet potatoes and caramelized pecans? Just the right amount of sweet and crunch.

They’re super easy to make. Just bake, mash, and top. Let’s make them together—you’re gonna want these all year round!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Natural Sweetness, No Overload: The sweetness in this dish comes from maple syrup and coconut sugar—real, gentle sweeteners that let the flavor of the sweet potatoes shine instead of overpowering them.
• Texture Play: Roasted sweet potatoes are naturally creamy, and the pecans bring a light crunch that keeps each bite interesting.
• Easy Yet Impressive: No advanced cooking skills needed—just basic roasting. But the result looks and tastes like you spent much more time on it.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can roast the potatoes ahead and add the pecans just before serving to keep their crunch.
• Special Diet-Friendly: It’s gluten-free by nature, and easy to make vegan (just check your maple syrup source).

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes – Includes peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes, mixing the glaze, and prepping your baking tray.
• Cook Time: 30 minutes – The sweet potatoes roast until caramelized and golden, while the pecans can be toasted quickly on the stovetop or oven during that time.
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:

This recipe yields about 6 servings when served as a side dish. It’s easily scalable—just double the ingredients and use two baking sheets for larger groups.

Difficulty Level:
Beginner-Friendly. This is a great introduction to roasting vegetables. The most technical task is chopping the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish smoothly, you’ll want to have the following on hand:

• Vegetable Peeler: For removing the skin from the sweet potatoes.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Ensures clean, even cuts when chopping.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface makes peeling and chopping easier and safer.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the sweet potatoes with oil, syrup, and spices.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy and consistency in flavor.
• Baking Sheet (or two): A rimmed baking sheet helps contain the glaze and allows for even roasting. For larger batches, use two sheets to avoid overcrowding.
• Parchment Paper (optional): Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Small Skillet or Pan (optional): For toasting the pecans to deepen their flavor before adding them to the dish.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it matters in the recipe:

• 4 to 5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
  Sweet potatoes are the foundation. Their natural sweetness deepens as they roast, and cutting them into uniform pieces ensures even cooking. Choose firm, orange-fleshed varieties like Garnet or Jewel for the best texture and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  Adds richness and helps the sweet potatoes caramelize in the oven. Olive oil also blends well with the earthy notes of cinnamon and the warmth of the maple glaze.
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  This is the heart of the glaze. Choose Grade A dark maple syrup for a deeper, more robust flavor. It creates a shiny, slightly sticky coating that brings all the ingredients together.
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
  Coconut sugar adds a gentle molasses note. It melts into the maple syrup as the potatoes roast, helping to form a glaze that thickens slightly and clings to the potatoes.
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  Cinnamon brings warmth and a familiar spice note that enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes without overwhelming the dish.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  A small amount of salt sharpens the flavors and helps balance the sweetness. Without it, the dish may taste flat.
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  Pecans provide texture and a mild nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes. Toasting them first intensifies their flavor and ensures they stay crisp.

Variations for Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Here are some thoughtful variations you can try:

• Make It Dairy-Rich (Optional): Add a tablespoon of melted butter or ghee to the glaze mixture for a deeper, buttery richness. This works especially well for holiday spreads.
• Add a Hint of Orange: Mix in a teaspoon of fresh orange zest or a splash of orange juice with the maple syrup to brighten the flavor profile.
• Use Walnuts Instead of Pecans: If you’re out of pecans or prefer a different texture, chopped walnuts offer a slightly firmer crunch and are just as flavorful when toasted.
• Top with a Crumble: For a dessert-like twist, mix a few tablespoons of oats, flour, and cold butter to make a simple crumble topping.
• Add a Touch of Heat: A pinch of cayenne or chili powder adds a subtle contrast to the sweetness, making the dish more complex without becoming spicy.

How to Make Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Chop them into 1-inch cubes, trying to keep the pieces similar in size so they roast evenly. Place the chopped sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a small bowl or directly in the large bowl with the sweet potatoes, add the olive oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. Take your time here—coating each piece helps them caramelize beautifully.

Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper if you like easy cleanup. Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. This allows them to roast instead of steam.

Step 4: Roast

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are caramelized and the centers are fork-tender.

Step 5: Toast the Pecans

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes. Stir often so they don’t burn. You’ll start to smell their nutty aroma when they’re ready. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven, sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top. Gently toss to combine or leave them on top for contrast. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

This dish works well in a variety of settings and pairs with many main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• Holiday Side Dish: Add it to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s table. It complements turkey, ham, and roasted chicken beautifully.
• Weeknight Pairing: Serve alongside grilled pork chops, roast chicken, or even a hearty lentil loaf for a vegetarian option.
• Leftover Brunch: Heat leftovers and top with a fried or poached egg for a surprisingly satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Its subtle sweetness and warm flavor also make it a great addition to any fall or winter meal.

Storing Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

One of the great things about this dish is how well it holds up after cooking. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Refrigerator: Allow the sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note: the texture of the sweet potatoes may soften slightly after freezing.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through, but the pecans may lose some of their crunch.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Even Cubes: Uniform size helps all the sweet potatoes roast evenly—avoiding some being underdone while others are mushy.
• Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. It also allows the glaze to caramelize without burning on the pan.
• Don’t Skip Flipping: Turn the sweet potatoes halfway through roasting to ensure both sides get golden and crisp.
• Toast Pecans Fresh: Toasting just before serving makes the nuts extra fragrant and crunchy.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If your sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet, reduce the maple syrup slightly for better balance.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	270
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Carbohydrates	33g
Sugars	11g
Fiber	4g
Protein	2g
Sodium	120mg
Cholesterol	0mg
Potassium	450mg

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Toast and add pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Can I use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Absolutely. Light or dark brown sugar will work as a substitute and give a slightly more molasses-forward flavor.

Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances the flavor and texture, but it’s optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, though the pecans may be a little softer.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is your best bet for retaining texture—reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Microwave works too but may soften the pecans.

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are key here for their natural sweetness and texture. Regular white or yellow potatoes won’t provide the same flavor balance.

Conclusion

Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes are a go-to side dish when you need something that’s comforting, easy to make, and just a little bit special. The natural sweetness from the maple syrup pairs beautifully with the richness of the toasted pecans and the warm spice of cinnamon. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday dinner or adding a cozy touch to a weeknight meal, this dish brings dependable flavor every time.