🛒 Ingredients
- 🥔 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 🧈 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 🍯 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 🌿 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 🌰 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 🥥 Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the pieces are evenly coated.
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Spread on Baking Sheet:
- Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast:
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, toss the sweet potatoes, and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
- Finish Roasting:
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, and the pecans are lightly toasted.
Garnish and Serve
- Add Garnish:
- If desired, sprinkle dried cranberries over the roasted sweet potatoes for a festive touch.
- Serve Warm:
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🍋 Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the seasoning mixture for a zesty flavor.
- 🥓 Savory Option: Include crumbled cooked bacon for a salty balance to the sweetness.
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning for a hint of heat.
- 🧊 Make Ahead: Roast the sweet potatoes and pecans separately, then reheat and combine just before serving.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or as a side for a vegetarian meal. Serve it as part of a holiday spread or enjoy it as a wholesome snack.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. The caramelized edges, warm spices, and crunch of toasted pecans make it an irresistible dish for any occasion, especially during the holidays.