If you’re looking for a dish that brings together the cozy warmth of autumn flavors with a touch of elegance, this Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes—caramelized sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, kissed by cinnamon and butter, then crowned with a luscious maple-walnut topping and creamy goat cheese. Each bite feels like a celebration of textures and tastes, making it perfect for everything from weekday dinners to holiday spreads. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite dishes to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and carefully chosen ingredients. Each flavor plays a vital role, from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the rich tanginess of goat cheese, creating a dish that’s balanced and irresistibly tasty.
- Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and a hearty bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps those spices cling beautifully.
- Cinnamon: The warm spice that complements sweetness perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- Maple syrup: For that deep, luscious sweetness and a hint of sticky glaze.
- Walnuts: Provide a lovely crunch and earthy undertone.
- Fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that brings brightness and balance.
- Goat cheese: Crumbled on top for a creamy, tangy contrast that ties everything together.
How to Make Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preparing a baking tray with parchment paper or a light spray of oil prevents sticking and helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly without fuss.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Give your sweet potatoes a good wash. Whether you prefer them peeled or with the skin on, slice them into half-inch rounds to ensure they cook evenly and get that delightful caramelized edge.
Step 3: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sweet potato slices with melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. This step infuses the potatoes with flavor and helps the spices adhere for that perfect roasted taste. Feeling hands-on? Tossing by hand always feels more rewarding!
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Lay out the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on your prepared tray. Giving each slice a bit of breathing room is key to achieving that coveted golden crispness. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple Walnut Topping
While the potatoes roast, whisk together maple syrup, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a small bowl. This mixture will add a stunning sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the potatoes.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Goat Cheese
Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven, spoon a teaspoon of the maple walnut mix onto each slice. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese for that creamy, tangy contrast which makes this recipe truly special.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the tray to the oven for an extra 8 to 10 minutes. This final touch toasts the walnuts just right and softens the goat cheese into a luscious topping that melts over the potatoes perfectly.
How to Serve Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves over the finished dish adds a pop of color and a fragrant touch that feels fresh and inviting. You might also consider a drizzle of extra maple syrup for sweetness or even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to amplify the flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe works beautifully alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork for a hearty meal. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, balancing the richness of the potatoes with some refreshing crunch and lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try arranging the sweet potato slices on a rustic wooden board or a bright serving platter. You can layer them slightly overlapping, then drizzle some extra maple-walnut sauce on top and scatter goat cheese crumbles and fresh thyme to create a vibrant, Instagram-worthy spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to meld over time, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes without the goat cheese topping. Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and slightly crispy again, about 10-15 minutes. Add goat cheese fresh before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make great substitutes if you want a different texture or flavor. Just chop them similarly to keep the crunch consistent with the original recipe.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. Keeping the skin adds fiber and extra nutrients, plus a bit more texture. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and use a vegan cheese alternative instead of goat cheese. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy; cinnamon adds warmth without heat. If you want a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
What’s the best way to keep the goat cheese from melting too much?
Adding goat cheese toward the end of the cooking time helps it soften but not completely melt away, maintaining that wonderful creamy texture you want. Avoid adding it before baking fully to keep defined crumbles.
Final Thoughts
The Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into something truly memorable. With its balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy textures, it’s a dish that invites comfort and celebration at the same time. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love as quickly as I did!
Print
Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Deliciously roasted sweet potatoes coated with cinnamon and butter, topped with a sweet and nutty maple walnut mixture, and finished with creamy crumbled goat cheese. This warm, comforting side dish combines sweet and savory flavors perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Maple Walnut Topping
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You may peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds for even cooking.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sweet potato slices in this mixture until they are evenly coated. Use a spatula, your hands, or a ziplock bag for easy mixing.
- Arrange on Baking Tray: Spread the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Make sure to leave space between each slice to allow for even roasting and browning.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and lightly golden on the edges.
- Prepare the Maple Walnut Topping: While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a small bowl. Stir until well combined to make a sweet, spiced topping.
- Top the Sweet Potatoes: When the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple walnut mixture onto each sweet potato slice, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top of each.
- Final Baking: Return the baking tray to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes. This step allows the walnuts to toast slightly and the goat cheese to soften and warm without fully melting.
- Serve: Serve the roasted sweet potatoes warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy this harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional; leaving the skin on adds nutrients and texture.
- Make sure sweet potato slices are evenly spaced on the tray for proper roasting and browning.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to taste for a spicier or more subtle warmth.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, or substitute with dried thyme if necessary (use about 1/3 teaspoon dried).
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it.
