Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are a cozy, naturally sweet side dish that pairs tender roasted sweet potatoes with caramelized apples and warm spices. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for holiday dinners or comforting weekday meals. The combination of cinnamon, maple syrup, and apples adds a sweet depth that complements the earthiness of sweet potatoes beautifully.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
sweet potatoesapples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)olive oilmaple syrupground cinnamonsaltvanilla extractlemon juice
directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Core and slice the apples into wedges or chunks, leaving the skin on for texture and color.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potatoes and apples with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and a splash of lemon juice.
Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the apples are golden and slightly caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesRoasting time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before roasting for crunch.
Drizzle with a touch more maple syrup or a pat of butter right before serving for richness.
Use pears instead of apples for a twist on flavor.
Include a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best for roasting.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and roast just before serving.
Is this dish sweet or savory?
It’s primarily sweet, but the salt and olive oil add a savory balance.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, melted butter can add a rich flavor to the dish.
Can I make this without maple syrup?
You can substitute with honey or omit it for a less sweet version.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What protein pairs well with this dish?
It pairs nicely with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or turkey.
Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, for a dessert-like variation, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of roasting.
Should I peel the apples?
You can, but leaving the skin on adds texture and color.
How do I prevent the apples from getting mushy?
Cut them slightly thicker than the sweet potatoes to help retain their shape.
Conclusion
Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously simple and heartwarming side dish that brings together the best of fall flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or a quiet family dinner, this recipe is sure to add warmth and sweetness to any table.
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Roasted Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted sweet potatoes and apples tossed in cinnamon and buttery maple syrup—a warm, glazed side dish perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (~4 cups), peeled and cut into ½” cubes
- 2 medium apples (~2 cups), cored and cut into ½” cubes
- 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted and divided
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment or grease lightly.
- In a bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with 2 Tbsp melted butter and salt until well coated.
- Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine apple cubes with the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
- After 20 minutes, remove the sheet, add the apple mixture to the sweet potatoes, and stir to coat evenly.
- Return to oven and roast another 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway, until both sweet potatoes and apples are tender, caramelized, and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter to make it dairy-free.
- Substitute honey or agave syrup for maple syrup if needed.
- Keep apple skins on for extra color and texture, or peel if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days—reheat in oven or skillet to crisp them up.