Description
This Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples recipe offers a deliciously sweet and spiced side dish perfect for autumn or any cozy meal. Tender cubes of sweet potatoes and apples are tossed in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, maple syrup, and warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then roasted to caramelized perfection. Optional additions of chopped pecans and dried cranberries add a delightful crunch and burst of tartness, making this dish a colorful and nutritious complement to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Spice Mixture
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even roasting.
- Mix Sweet Potatoes and Apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with the peeled, cored, and cubed apples, preparing them for seasoning.
- Prepare Spice Mixture: In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are fully blended and aromatic.
- Toss with Spice Mixture: Pour the prepared spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and apples. Toss thoroughly so that every cube is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated sweet potatoes and apples in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space for roasting and caramelization.
- Roast: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and tender consistency.
- Add Nuts and Cranberries: If using pecans and dried cranberries, sprinkle them over the mixture during the last 5 minutes of roasting to toast the nuts lightly and warm the cranberries without burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving to enjoy the warm, spiced flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Ensure to stir halfway through roasting to prevent burning and to promote even caramelization of sweet potatoes and apples.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain shape and add a nice tart contrast to sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
- This dish pairs well as a side for roasted meats, holiday meals, or as a healthy vegetarian entrée.
