If you’re searching for a side dish that truly captures the flavors of fall, Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are the perfect choice. Imagine meltingly tender sweet potatoes and juicy apples, roasted to golden perfection and kissed with maple syrup and warm spices. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this colorful medley brings just the right balance of sweetness, earthiness, and crunch to your table with minimal effort. Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are the kind of recipe everyone asks for seconds of — and the leftovers might be even better!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of kitchen staples turn into something magical in this recipe. Each ingredient has a starring role in the final flavor: from the natural sweetness of the produce to the fragrant punch of spices, every component adds a layer to the rustic charm of Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced, their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the oven for irresistible nuggets of goodness.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose crisp, juicy apples for the perfect balance of tart and sweet; they’ll soften just enough while roasting.
- Olive oil: A drizzle coats every bite, bringing out flavor and ensuring a golden exterior.
- Maple syrup: Just a tablespoon gives depth, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of that perfect amber glaze.
- Ground cinnamon: The aromatic backbone that ties apples and sweet potatoes together in cozy harmony.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and a little complexity, enhancing the overall spiced profile.
- Salt: A small amount wakes up the flavors, balancing the sweet and earthy notes.
- Pecans or walnuts (optional): Sprinkle these in for extra crunch and a nutty richness—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for fuss-free cleanup. Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, then core and chop the apples. Aim for pieces of similar size so everything roasts evenly, creating gorgeous color and luscious texture in every bite.
Step 2: Toss with Flavor
In a big mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and chopped apples. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a large spoon or your (clean) hands to gently toss everything until each piece glistens with the fragrant coating—this ensures every forkful has the right balance of spice, sweetness, and richness.
Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the mixture out in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting, so make sure the pieces have some breathing room. This is the secret to beautiful caramelization and slightly crisp edges that make Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes so irresistible.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes. Give everything a gentle stir about halfway through to promote even browning. If you’re adding nuts, scatter them over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing them to toast lightly and deepen their flavor without burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the apples are just beginning to caramelize, pull the tray from the oven. Let everything cool for a couple of minutes, then mound onto your serving platter. For extra flair, drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or add a pinch of finishing salt before bringing this side dish to the table.
How to Serve Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
Finish Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of green, or sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the top for a touch of sophistication. If you like a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of warm maple syrup right before serving is pure magic.
Side Dishes
This side shines alongside roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, or baked tofu steaks. It also works beautifully in a holiday spread, complementing classics like green beans, stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce. Try it over a bed of lightly dressed greens for a hearty fall salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, spoon the roasted mixture into hollowed-out baked sweet potato halves for single-serving boats, or layer with quinoa and arugula for colorful grain bowls. Their autumnal aroma and gorgeous orange-red glow always steal the show as part of a brunch or potluck buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors marry even more overnight, making them a fabulous addition to salads or lunch bowls the next day.
Freezing
Want to make ahead for busy weeks? Cool the roasted mixture completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, as apples can lose some firmness during freezing, but the sweet potatoes stay lovely.
Reheating
To reheat, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick lunch, though reheating in the oven revives the best texture and caramelized edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are favorites for their balance of sweetness and tartness, any firm, baking-friendly apple will work. Granny Smiths add extra tang, or try Gala for a milder flavor.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeled sweet potatoes offer a creamier bite, but you can leave the skins on if you love a more rustic texture and want the added fiber. Just give them a good scrub before chopping!
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Simply omit the nuts—the dish is still rich and satisfying without them. For a bit of crunch, try adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in the final minutes of baking instead.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Spread the mixture across two pans and rotate them halfway through roasting to ensure everything cooks evenly. This dish disappears fast at potlucks and parties, so don’t be shy about making extra.
What’s the best way to make Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Roast the sweet potatoes and apples as directed, let cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat in a hot oven just before serving so they crisp up again and fill your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the nostalgic aroma and inviting sweetness of Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes that makes them a staple in my kitchen every fall. I hope you’ll love sharing this vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish with people you care about — and maybe even make it a new tradition of your own!
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Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes. This vegan and gluten-free side dish combines the natural sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes with warm spices for a delicious and wholesome dish that is perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Apples:
- 2 apples (cored and chopped, preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (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, toss the sweet potatoes and apples with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread the mixture on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If using nuts, sprinkle them over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or over greens for a hearty salad.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, add a drizzle of extra maple syrup just before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pork, chicken, or holiday mains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
