It’s funny the things you remember so vividly. For me, it’s the smell of cinnamon wafting from my mom’s kitchen every fall. She always made these apple cinnamon sweet potatoes.
It wasn’t just a side dish; it was an experience. The sweet potatoes, softened and caramelized, the apples tender and fragrant with spice – it’s the taste of home. I still make them every year, a little piece of my childhood on my plate.
And now, I’m excited to share this family favorite with you. These apple cinnamon sweet potatoes are a comforting and delicious side, perfect for holidays or any weeknight meal, especially when I serve it with my favorite baked orange cranberry chicken.
Why you’ll love this Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
- This roasted apple cinnamon sweet potatoes recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients.
- The combination of sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices creates a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- These apple cinnamon sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
- The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and apples is enhanced by a touch of maple syrup and aromatic spices, making it a healthy and satisfying option.
- The vibrant colors and inviting aroma of these apple cinnamon sweet potatoes make them a visually appealing and delicious addition to any meal.
- You can easily customize this roasted apple cinnamon sweet potatoes recipe by adding different nuts or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Apple cinnamon sweet potatoes makes every moment feel uplifting. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, apples, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3
Spread the sweet potato and apple mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4
Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Step 5
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. Serve warm.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an even warmer spice profile to these apple cinnamon sweet potatoes. A squeeze of lemon juice before roasting can also brighten the flavors. You could even add dried cranberries for a touch of tartness and chewy texture.
Another delicious variation is to add a drizzle of tahini after roasting. The nutty flavor of the tahini complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and apples beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix before roasting. This will add a subtle heat that balances the sweetness perfectly. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some chili flakes on top after roasting for a more pronounced spicy flavor.
Pairings
These apple cinnamon sweet potatoes pair exceptionally well with roasted chicken or turkey. The sweetness of the potatoes and apples complements the savory flavor of the poultry perfectly. They also make a fantastic side dish for vegetarian meals, such as lentil loaf or roasted vegetables.
Consider serving these sweet potatoes alongside a hearty salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The combination of warm, sweet potatoes and cool, crisp greens creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a great choice.
For a more indulgent meal, pair these apple cinnamon sweet potatoes with a creamy soup, such as butternut squash or potato leek. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes will balance the richness of the soup beautifully. Top the soup with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Serving ideas
Serve these apple cinnamon sweet potatoes as a colorful and flavorful side dish for your next holiday gathering. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for a festive touch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, can also add a pop of color and aroma.
These sweet potatoes can also be served as a light and healthy lunch. Simply top them with a dollop of plain yogurt or cottage cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add a side of mixed greens for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a sweet treat, serve these roasted sweet potatoes as a dessert. Drizzle them with maple syrup or honey and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps or granola would also be delicious.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover apple cinnamon sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing them. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep them fresh for longer.
To reheat, simply microwave them for a few minutes, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth to the sweet potatoes before reheating can help to prevent them from drying out.
While freezing is possible, the texture of the sweet potatoes may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, spread the cooled sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Make-ahead
You can easily prepare the sweet potatoes and apples ahead of time. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes and chop the apples, then store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
You can also mix the sweet potatoes and apples with the olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the apples may brown slightly, so you may want to add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent this.
If you’re short on time, you can even roast the sweet potatoes and apples ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Simply roast them according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Common mistakes when making Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy sweet potatoes. Ensure the sweet potatoes and apples are spread in a single layer.
- Not flipping halfway through: Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and caramelization on all sides. Set a timer to remind yourself.
- Using underripe or overripe apples: The texture of the apples plays a big role in the final dish. Choose apples that are firm and ripe, but not overly soft.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Don’t skip this step!
- Adding too much maple syrup: While sweetness is welcome, too much maple syrup can make the dish overly sweet. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
Final notes
These apple cinnamon sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a celebration of simple flavors and comforting aromas. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness to your liking.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of apples or add your own personal touch. Cooking should be fun and creative. So get in the kitchen, turn on some music, and enjoy the process!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking!
Loved this Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes? Try these next
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- Homemade cinnamon rock candy
- Baked orange cranberry chicken
- Spicy jalapeno dream dip
Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Savory and sweet collide in this easy roasted apple cinnamon sweet potato recipe. Perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes are tossed with tender apples and warm spices, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, apples, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the sweet potato and apple mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For a vegan option, ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg