Description
Roasted sweet potato slices infused with maple pecan flavors offer a delightful side dish from Southern United States cuisine. Crisp edges and caramelized maple glaze make this simple recipe perfect for holiday gatherings and home-cooked meals you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) sweet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled if desired, and sliced crosswise into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup (60 g) pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 g) brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 450°F, positioning rack in the center for optimal caramelization and even roasting.
- Potato Preparation: Slice sweet potatoes uniformly, ensuring consistent thickness for balanced cooking, then toss with melted butter, salt, and black pepper to amplify natural flavors.
- Initial Roasting Phase: Spread potatoes in a single layer on foil-lined baking sheet, allowing maximum heat exposure and preventing sticking, then roast for 20 minutes until bottom develops a rich golden-brown crust.
- Maple Pecan Glaze Creation: While potatoes roast, whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, and finely chopped pecans in a mixing bowl to craft a luxurious, glossy topping.
- Final Roasting Stage: Flip potato slices, generously drizzle with maple pecan mixture, then return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until syrup bubbles and potatoes reach a tender, caramelized perfection.
- Serving Preparation: Remove from oven, let slices rest momentarily to allow glaze to set and flavors to intensify, then transfer to serving platter for a stunning, aromatic side dish.
Notes
- Slice Uniformity: Cut sweet potatoes into even, 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure consistent cooking and caramelization across all pieces.
- High-Heat Technique: Use 450°F to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, creamy interior, maximizing flavor development.
- Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, leaving room between slices to promote proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Glaze Timing: Add maple pecan mixture during the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning and preserve the nutty, sweet flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg