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Cozy Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter

maple roasted sweet potatoes - featured image

This cozy maple roasted sweet potatoes with brown butter recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest path is the best one. It’s a humble, honest side dish where maple syrup caramelizes into sticky, candied edges and brown butter adds nutty depth, turning a regular weeknight dinner into something special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 medium-large), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber recommended)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), cut into pieces
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
  • Pinch of black pepper (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt like Maldon for finishing (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts for texture (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. You should have about 6-7 cups of cubes.
  3. Start browning the butter. Place the ¼ cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely, then continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will foam up, then the foam will subside, and you’ll see brown specks forming at the bottom. This takes about 4-5 minutes. The moment it smells nutty and turns a golden-amber color, remove it from the heat immediately.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with the brown butter, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (if using). Use a spatula to coat every piece evenly.
  5. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper roasting.
  6. Roast for 20 minutes. The potatoes should be starting to soften and the edges should be getting sticky.
  7. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Use a spatula to flip each piece for even caramelization. Rotate the pan front to back for even heat distribution.
  8. Roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are caramelized and golden-brown. Start checking at 15 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes on the pan. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the browning step—it adds nutty depth. Cut uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Watch your oven closely as temperatures vary. Let potatoes rest 2-3 minutes after roasting for better texture. Can prep sweet potatoes a day ahead (peel, cube, store in water in fridge). Brown butter can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple roasted sweet potatoes, brown butter sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, easy side dish, Thanksgiving side dish, comfort food, gluten-free side dish