If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy side dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, these Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are your answer. This irresistible medley showcases tender chunks of caramelized sweet potatoes and juicy apples, all tossed with fragrant cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a glossy drizzle of maple syrup. Each bite bursts with comforting sweetness and just a touch of spice, making it an ideal companion for holiday meals or a special weeknight dinner. The Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes keyphrase truly sums up everything we love about cool-weather cooking: it’s hearty, fuss-free, and guaranteed to light up your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients create big, memorable flavor. Each component adds something—from color to crunch—that makes Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes truly pop.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness and earthy depth are the perfect foundation for this dish, and they roast up beautifully golden and soft.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose crisp, sweet-tart apples; they hold their shape and bring bursts of juicy flavor with every bite.
- Olive oil: Just enough to coat and enrich while helping everything caramelize evenly in the oven.
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds a glossy finish and infuses the dish with cozy autumnal notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature, warming aroma—it’s the flavor backbone of the recipe!
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch deepens the spice profile, giving a subtle complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
- Salt: Just a touch, to balance the sweetness and brighten all the flavors.
- Pecans (optional): Sprinkle these on at the end for rich, toasty crunch; walnuts work too, or feel free to skip for a nut-free version.
How to Make Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Fruit
Begin by peeling and dicing your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, and chopping your apples into similar-sized pieces. This step sets you up for even roasting and those deliciously caramelized edges in every bite. Don’t forget to remove the apple cores for a seamless texture!
Step 2: Toss with Flavor
Combine the sweet potatoes and apples in a big mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil and maple syrup over everything, then shower in that cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use clean hands or a big spoon to toss it all together until every piece is lovingly coated—no dry spots allowed! The fragrance at this stage is already enough to make you hungry.
Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the mixture out in a single layer, making sure there’s a little space between each chunk. Crowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, and you want those golden, crisp edges on your Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. After about 15–17 minutes, pull it out and give everything a gentle stir—this step ensures every piece cooks evenly and caramelizes all over. Roast for a total of 30 to 35 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
For those who adore a little crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This gives them just enough time to toast and become fragrant without burning. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 6: Serve While Warm
Remove the tray from the oven and dish up your Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes while they’re still hot and glistening. The mix of soft, sweet, and slightly crispy bits is absolutely irresistible fresh from the oven.
How to Serve Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
Top your Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with a final scatter of toasted pecans, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a light grate of fresh nutmeg for extra oomph. If you want to add a pop of color, a few fresh thyme leaves look beautiful and taste amazing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork, but it’s equally wonderful paired with grain salads or a simple green veggie medley. For a plant-based feast, serve your Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with quinoa and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in an entertaining mood, pile the roasted mixture onto a platter and finish with pecans, herbs, and a drizzle of syrup for a show-stopping centerpiece. Mini ramekins work perfectly for single servings at brunch or a holiday buffet, while tossing the leftovers into a fall-inspired salad or grain bowl gives them delicious new life.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making them great for easy lunches and quick meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, let them cool completely first. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor for up to two months, though the texture is best right after roasting.
Reheating
To recapture that just-roasted magic, spread the sweet potatoes and apples on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven does a better job of bringing back those crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different variety of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples hold up well and add nice sweetness, feel free to try Gala, Pink Lady, or any firm, sweet apple you love. Just avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to lose their shape when roasted.
Should I peel the apples?
It’s completely up to your texture preference. Leaving the peel on adds a rustic look and an extra boost of fiber, while peeling the apples makes every bite super tender. Try it both ways and see what you like best!
Are Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes vegan?
Yes, as long as you use maple syrup (not honey) and avoid adding any dairy-based garnishes, this recipe is naturally vegan-friendly and perfect for most dietary needs.
What if I have a nut allergy?
No worries! Simply leave out the pecans (or walnuts). The dish is just as flavorful without the nuts, and you can toss in some toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds at the end if you want a similar crunch without the allergens.
Can this be prepped ahead for holidays?
Definitely! You can chop the sweet potatoes and apples the day before, keep them refrigerated (tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning), and then quickly assemble and roast them just before serving for peak flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes enough—each bite is the kind of warm, bright comfort we all crave. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just spicing up a weeknight, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and seconds. Give them a try and let them become a staple at your own table!
Print
Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish perfect for fall. Tender sweet potatoes and apples are roasted with warm spices and a touch of maple syrup, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs well with any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Apples:
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes and apples. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until coated.
- Roast: Spread the mixture on the baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Add pecans in the last 5 minutes if desired.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Drizzle extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
