Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Easy Fall Side Dish

A Side Dish That Shines in Every Season

Whether you’re planning a cozy fall dinner, a Thanksgiving feast, or just looking for a new way to enjoy sweet potatoes, Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes is enhanced with rich maple syrup and crunchy, toasted pecans—creating a dish that balances flavor and texture beautifully.

Warm, sweet, earthy, and just a little indulgent—this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, bold flavors
• Caramelized edges with a soft center
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
• Quick to prepare and bake
• Great for holidays, potlucks, or weekday dinners

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• Optional: 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss the Sweet Potatoes

• In a large bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Roast

• Spread sweet potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

4. Add Pecans

• Sprinkle chopped pecans over the potatoes.
• Roast for another 10–15 minutes, until potatoes are tender and pecans are toasted.

5. Finish and Serve

• Optional: sprinkle with fresh herbs or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Serve warm as a side dish or over grains/salads.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Glazed ham or pork chops
• Grilled tofu or lentil loaf
• Over quinoa or couscous bowls
• As part of a fall harvest platter

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🔁 Flavor Variations

• Add apples or pears for fruity sweetness
• Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different flavor
• Spice it up: Add cayenne or smoked paprika
• Make it dessert-like: Add a marshmallow topping
• Add orange zest for a citrus twist

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📦 Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Freeze: Not ideal as texture may suffer, but possible
• Reheat: In a skillet or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes

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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

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🧠 Pro Tips

• Don’t crowd the pan—spaced-out potatoes roast better
• Use parchment to prevent sticking and burning syrup
• Add pecans late so they toast without burning
• Use uniform cubes for even cooking
• Roast on the bottom rack for crispier edges

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh is best for roasting—canned ones are too soft and sweet.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes—reheat in the oven and freshen up with extra syrup or herbs.

Q: Can I omit pecans?
Yes—try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or leave them out.

Q: Are other oils okay?
Yes—avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well too.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
It already is—just use oil instead of butter if needed.

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✅ Conclusion: The Ultimate Sweet Potato Upgrade

Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delicious way to showcase one of fall’s favorite ingredients. Sweet, nutty, warmly spiced, and easy to throw together, this side dish works just as well on a holiday table as it does with a weeknight roast. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this is one recipe you’ll keep on repeat all season long.

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