Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes

Cinnamon butter baked sweet potatoes make any meal feel extra special with their buttery caramelized edges and cozy flavors These are my go to when I want something easy but memorable on the table with roast chicken or as a star at holiday dinners

I first made this when my youngest started loving all things cinnamon Now my family expects a batch at every chilly Sunday supper and they never last past the first serving

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: peeled and cut into chunks for even cooking always pick ones with smooth skin and deep orange flesh for best sweetness
• Melted butter: adds richness for luscious caramelized edges pick high quality unsalted butter
• Real maple syrup: gives a natural sweetness and a hint of complexity grade A dark works best for bold flavor
• Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and aromatic flavor look for fresh ground cinnamon for full effect
• Salt: balances and highlights the sweet notes use fine sea salt for an even sprinkle
• Cooking spray or oil: prevents sticking and helps potatoes crisp up use a light flavored oil if you prefer

Instructions

Prep and Preheat:

Get your oven to a steady 375 degrees This step is key so the sweet potatoes caramelize properly while staying creamy in the center Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray or a light swipe of oil for stick free roasting

Arrange Sweet Potatoes:

Lay the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a single layer on your sheet pan Making sure the pieces do not overlap gives you caramelized edges instead of steamed sweet potatoes

Make the Maple Cinnamon Coating:

In a mixing bowl use a whisk to thoroughly combine the melted butter real maple syrup ground cinnamon and salt The mix should look shiny and well blended so every potato cube gets an even flavor coating

Coat the Sweet Potatoes:

Pour the maple butter mixture over the sweet potatoes on the pan Toss gently with clean hands or use a big spoon until each chunk is slick with the cinnamon butter goodness Ignoring this step means less flavor on some pieces

Bake and Toss:

Roast for about thirty five minutes Stir or gently toss the potatoes halfway through roasting This move lets all sides brown for that golden caramel finish and prevents sticking

Check for Doneness and Serve:

When the sweet potatoes are fork tender with deep caramelized edges they are done Serve immediately for the best buttery texture and warmth

Sweet potatoes have been my favorite comfort vegetable ever since my grandmother made them with maple syrup for our big family gatherings Their earthy sweetness tastes like home and cozy evenings together

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge They last up to five days and taste just as good reheated simply warm in a skillet or toss into salads for lunches Even cold they re surprisingly good in grain bowls or wraps

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of maple syrup honey can fill in and gives an equally lovely glaze Vegan butter or a neutral oil works in place of regular butter You can also swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to add extra layers of flavor

Serving Suggestions

These sweet potatoes stand out as a side for roast meats grilled tofu or a festive brunch platter You can even top them with toasted pecans or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fancier twist For a savory edge add crumbled feta or a sprinkle of chili flakes

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Sweet potatoes are a classic fall and winter staple in many cultures Their natural sweetness and hearty texture make them beloved during holiday feasts Around the world different spices like clove or ginger are sometimes added for extra warmth

Seasonal Adaptations

Roast with apple cubes in autumn for an extra fruity bite Sprinkle orange zest in winter for brightness Toss with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in spring

Success Stories

Many friends have told me they started with this as a Thanksgiving side and now make it part of their weeknight rotation My neighbor adds it to her lunch salads for a sweet twist and another friend once brought leftovers on a road trip as a snack

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the baked sweet potatoes cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe container Reheat in a hot oven for about twenty minutes until sizzling at the edges I find this makes meal prepping for busy weeks so easy

This recipe is simple yet always impresses With a little maple cinnamon touch it turns any dinner into an occasion

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve caramelized sweet potatoes?

Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer, coat evenly with the butter and maple mixture, and bake until the edges are golden, stirring halfway for even caramelization.

→ Can I substitute maple syrup?

Yes, honey or brown sugar can be used in place of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness and depth of flavor.

→ Should I peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling the sweet potatoes results in a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on for added fiber and a rustic feel.

→ How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?

Use cooking spray or oil to coat the baking sheet thoroughly before arranging the potatoes to minimize sticking.

→ What can I serve with cinnamon butter sweet potatoes?

They pair well with roast chicken, pork, holiday turkey, or as part of a vegetarian spread with grains and vegetables.