If you are searching for a dish that brings pure comfort with a touch of elegance, the Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Pecan Topping Recipe is your perfect match. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes with a luscious maple-cinnamon sauce and a crunchy pecan topping that elevates every bite. It’s not just a side; it’s an experience—full of warm spices, buttery richness, and natural sweetness that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Whether for a holiday feast or a weeknight treat, this recipe promises smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These basics transform humble sweet potatoes into an irresistible dish that feels special.
- Sweet potatoes: 2 ½ pounds peeled and sliced, the star ingredient offering natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Salted butter: 7 tablespoons, melted and divided, for richness and a velvety finish.
- Avocado oil: 2 tablespoons, adds a subtle buttery flavor and helps with browning.
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon, enhances all the natural flavors.
- Reduced-sodium vegetable broth: 1 cup warmed, keeps the potatoes moist and tender while adding depth.
- Chopped pecans: ¾ cup, provide a crunchy contrast and nutty richness.
- Brown sugar: ½ cup + 1 tablespoon, infuses warmth and caramelized sweetness into the topping and sauce.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon divided, spices things up with cozy aromatic notes.
- Pure maple syrup: 2 tablespoons, lends a natural, sticky sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Make Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will give your sweet potato slices a beautifully caramelized exterior while ensuring they cook through evenly. Preheating is crucial to get that perfect texture we all crave.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Peel away the skins until you uncover a deep orange hue, signaling their natural sweetness. Trim off about half an inch from each end, then slice them into 1-inch thick rounds. These even slices help them cook uniformly in the oven, offering that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Coat the potato slices
In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of melted butter, avocado oil, and salt. Drizzle this flavor-packed mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss until each slice is beautifully coated. Arranging them flat-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish maximizes browning and ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Step 4: Bake and baste
Pop the potatoes in the oven for 15 minutes, then flip with tongs for even cooking and bake an additional 15 minutes. Pour the warmed vegetable broth over the slices — this step is a game-changer for keeping the potatoes soft and juicy. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes and get ready for the next stage.
Step 5: Prepare the pecan topping
While the potatoes are cooking, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter, finely chopped pecans, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a medium bowl. This mixture will toast in the oven, creating a crunchy, fragrant topping that perfectly balances the tender potatoes.
Step 6: Make the maple cinnamon sauce
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and pure maple syrup until smooth. This thick, sticky sauce will soak into the potatoes and add that classic maple-cinnamon warmth that defines this recipe.
Step 7: Top and finish baking
Using a fork, gently poke small holes into each sweet potato slice to allow the sauce to seep in deeply. Drizzle the maple cinnamon sauce over each slice, then generously top with about 2 teaspoons of the pecan crumble. Bake the dish for another 8-10 minutes until the pecans are toasted and the topping caramelizes into a crisp, golden finish.
How to Serve Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation shine, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or rosemary to add a pop of green and a fresh, herbal contrast. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving can also heighten the sweetness and crunch, making every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside a crisp fall salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a diverse and inviting spread that your guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the potato slices in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter. Drizzle any extra maple cinnamon sauce on the side for dipping, and offer simple, elegant flatware. Another idea? Serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprig of thyme to impress your dinner guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Pecan Topping Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the potatoes moist and the topping crisp, ready to enjoy without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is possible. Place the fully cooled sweet potatoes with topping in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out while still reheating the pecan topping nicely. Avoid microwaves to preserve the texture; the oven’s even heat keeps everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make tasty alternatives and provide a similar crunch. Toast them lightly before mixing with the rest of the topping ingredients to bring out their full flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and ensure that the vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and maple syrup will still shine through beautifully.
How do I peel sweet potatoes easily?
Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel away the skin until you see a vibrant orange color. Sometimes blanching the potatoes in hot water briefly can soften the skin, making peeling quicker and less fiddly.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
You can slice and season the sweet potatoes a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake the topping just before serving to maintain that fresh crunch and caramelized flavor.
What if my potatoes aren’t tender after baking?
If the slices feel firm, give them additional oven time covered with foil and check every 5 minutes. Adding a splash more warm broth can also trap steam and help soften them perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Pecan Topping Recipe is truly a showstopper that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. Its harmonious blend of silky potatoes, luscious syrup, and crunchy pecans will make it a family favorite in no time. Don’t hesitate—gather these simple ingredients and create a dish that brings joy to every meal. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Melting Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously tender and flavorful side dish featuring perfectly baked sweet potato slices glazed with a rich maple cinnamon sauce and topped with a buttery pecan crumble. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a tender texture that melts in your mouth, perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes
- 7 tablespoons salted butter, melted, divided
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth, warmed
Pecan Crumble
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Maple Cinnamon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the sweet potatoes evenly and caramelizing the topping.
- Cut sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes with a vegetable peeler until you observe a darker orange hue. Trim about ½ inch from each end, then slice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick pieces. Place these slices in a large bowl for seasoning.
- Pour sauce over potatoes: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of melted butter, avocado oil, and salt. Drizzle this mixture over the sweet potato slices, tossing gently to coat them evenly. Arrange the slices in a single layer, flat-side down, in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use warm vegetable broth to avoid breaking glass bakeware.
- Bake the potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each slice using tongs and bake for an additional 15 minutes. After flipping, pour the warmed vegetable broth evenly over the potatoes and bake for another 10 minutes to soften and infuse flavor.
- Make the pecan topping: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted butter, chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well until the pecans are evenly coated with the buttery sugar blend.
- Make the maple sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and pure maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Top the potatoes: Gently poke a few holes into each baked sweet potato slice with a fork to help absorb the topping flavors. Drizzle the maple cinnamon sauce over each slice, then evenly distribute about 2 teaspoons of the pecan crumble on top of each piece.
- Finish baking and serve: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. This step toasts the pecans and caramelizes the crumble, creating a crisp and flavorful topping. Serve warm and enjoy the tender, melting sweet potatoes with sweet, nutty accents.
Notes
- Use warm vegetable broth when pouring over potatoes in the baking dish to avoid cracking glass bakeware.
- Make sure to evenly coat potato slices with the butter and oil mixture for uniform cooking and flavor.
- Flipping the potatoes halfway ensures even baking and prevents burning on one side.
- Poke holes in the potato slices before adding the maple sauce to help it soak in better.
- The pecan crumble can be prepared ahead of time and stored refrigerated until ready to use.
