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
Scale
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.
