Description
Delight in the rich, caramelized flavors of Melting Sweet Potatoes, a comforting side dish featuring tender sweet potato slices baked to perfection with cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup, then topped with crunchy pecans for added texture and sweetness.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1-inch thickness
Seasonings and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup low sodium vegetable broth
- ¼ cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Coat the sweet potatoes: Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes on the prepared sheet pan. Pour melted butter over them, then sprinkle with salt and cinnamon. Toss gently to ensure every slice is evenly coated, then arrange the potatoes in a single layer without overlapping.
- First bake: Bake the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes to begin caramelizing and softening the slices.
- Flip and add liquids: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip each sweet potato slice. Drizzle the maple syrup and low sodium vegetable broth evenly over the potatoes to add sweetness and moisture.
- Second bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are thoroughly caramelized, and the syrup has reduced to a bubbly sauce coating the slices.
- Finish and serve: Transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving platter, drizzle with the pan sauce, sprinkle generously with chopped pecans for crunch, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent potatoes from sticking and to simplify cleanup.
- Maple syrup adds sweetness and helps with caramelization; adjust quantity to taste.
- Chopped pecans add a delightful texture contrast—opt for toasted pecans for extra flavor.
- Low sodium vegetable broth keeps the dish flavorful but not overly salty; you can substitute with water if needed.
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian holiday feast.
