In my family, sweet potatoes are an absolute must-have for holiday meals, and I have a particular fondness for them. While I enjoy making sweet potato casserole year-round, baked sweet potatoes hold a special place in my heart because I love savoring their natural sweetness all on their own. However, this new recipe has become a game-changer in my sweet potato repertoire – a true staple that has won the hearts of everyone, especially my son who used to be a picky eater when it came to sweet potatoes.
The addition of maple syrup in this recipe imparts a delightful and irresistible flavor, while the toasted pecans bring a satisfying crunch to each bite. The combination of these elements results in a harmonious symphony of flavors that is nothing short of incredible. Every time I serve this dish at family holiday meals or for dinner guests, it receives rave reviews, and it warms my heart to see empty plates at the end of the meal – there are never any leftovers!
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With simple ingredients, the preparation is a breeze, and yet the flavor is nothing short of spectacular. In fact, it has won me over to the point that I now prefer it over my other sweet potato recipes, not only for its delicious taste but also for the sheer convenience it offers.
Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes
2 Tbsp. butter – melted
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Scrub the sweet potatoes and peel them (if you prefer). Then, slice each crosswise into ½ inch thick rounds.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced sweet potatoes with the melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Spread out the slices in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are starting to brown.
While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans in a bowl.
When the sweet potatoes are finished baking, remove the baking tray from the oven, and carefully flip the sweet potato slices.
Divide the maple syrup mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes – keeping the mixture in the center as best you can.
Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the syrup is bubbly.
Notes
• Brown Sugar: I love the caramelization that the brown sugar has but it is still fabulous and naturally sweet so if you wish to cut back on the sugar, skip the brown sugar.
• Dairy: Use coconut oil instead of butter!
• Nuts: Walnuts work well as a substitute for pecans.
• Thickness: Be careful to slice the potatoes into ½ inch slices – you will need to adjust the roasting time longer or shorter if you cut them differently.
• Maple Syrup and Spices: Place the maple syrup mixture into the middle of each sweet potato round to keep it better contained. Cinnamon is wonderful but you can also use allspice, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice.
Conclusion:
Stumbling upon this new sweet potato recipe has been a revelation for me, as I now realize that I’ve been making sweet potatoes wrong my entire life. This incredible dish has become an essential part of my sweet potato repertoire, completely transforming the way I enjoy this beloved vegetable.
The simple yet powerful combination of maple syrup and toasted pecans has elevated the flavors of sweet potatoes to new heights, creating a dish that is nothing short of extraordinary. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, enhanced by the maple syrup, is a match made in culinary heaven, while the crunchy texture of the toasted pecans adds a delightful contrast to each bite.
What’s even more astonishing is how universally loved this recipe is, especially by my son, who used to be a picky eater when it came to sweet potatoes. Now, thanks to this incredible dish, he can’t get enough of it – a true testament to its irresistibility.
I am truly in awe of how easy it is to make this dish with simple ingredients, and the incredible flavors it brings to the table. This recipe has replaced my previous sweet potato dishes, not only for its taste but also for the convenience it offers. It has become my go-to dish for family gatherings, holiday meals, and any occasion where I want to impress my guests with a delightful and unique sweet potato experience.
In summary, this sweet potato recipe has been a game-changer for me, rectifying my past sweet potato mistakes and introducing me to a whole new level of deliciousness. If you, too, have been making sweet potatoes wrong all your life, I urge you to give this recipe a try. It will open your taste buds to a world of incredible flavors and leave you wondering why you hadn’t discovered it sooner. Embrace the joy of culinary discovery and savor the satisfaction of making sweet potatoes right with this fantastic recipe. Enjoy every bite and relish the joy of sharing this newfound sweet potato perfection with your loved ones.