Description
Deliciously roasted sweet potatoes coated in cinnamon and butter, topped with a sweet and nutty maple walnut mixture, and finished with creamy goat cheese. This recipe offers a perfect balance of warm spices and rich flavors, ideal as a comforting side dish or a unique appetizer.
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 them into 1/2-inch rounds for even roasting.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with the melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each slice is evenly coated with the buttery cinnamon mixture using a spatula, your hands, or by shaking in a ziplock bag.
- Arrange on Baking Tray: Spread the coated sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Ensure there’s space between each slice to allow for proper air circulation and even roasting.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and nicely golden on the edges.
- Prepare the Maple Walnut Topping: While the potatoes roast, mix together the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a small bowl. Stir until well combined for a flavorful topping.
- Top the Sweet Potatoes: When the roasting is complete, remove the tray from the oven. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the maple walnut mixture onto each sweet potato slice, then sprinkle each one with crumbled goat cheese.
- Final Baking: Return the tray to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes. This allows the walnuts to toast and the goat cheese to soften, melding the flavors beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the roasted sweet potatoes warm, garnished with extra fresh thyme if desired for a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- You can leave the sweet potato skins on for added texture and nutrients or peel them for a smoother bite.
- Toasting the walnuts during the final bake enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Substitute goat cheese with feta if desired for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- Fresh thyme can be swapped with rosemary or sage for a variation in herbaceous notes.
- Make sure to space the sweet potato slices evenly on the baking tray to ensure even cooking and browning.
