Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

Indulge in a culinary delight with these Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes! This recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, making it ideal for everyday meals and special gatherings. The delightful blend of sweet maple syrup and savory garlic butter elevates the humble sweet potato into a dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for a side dish that would wow my guests without causing me unnecessary stress. The first time I made these Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes, even my picky eaters couldn’t resist asking for seconds. Their unique flavor, reminiscent of dessert but with a savory twist, won over the whole family. Now, these sweet potatoes have become a staple at our table, especially when we want to showcase our culinary prowess to guests.

Don’t be fooled by the simple preparation—these Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes are a game-changer. The addition of toasted pecans and aromatic herbs like thyme or parsley adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Whether served alongside a hearty roast or as part of a vibrant salad, these sweet potatoes are sure to steal the show and leave everyone asking for more.

Quick Benefits

  • Perfect balance of maple sweetness and savory garlic butter
  • Kid-approved; even picky eaters enjoy these sweet potatoes
  • Versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses
  • Make-ahead friendly and travels well for potlucks

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and savory garlic butter creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
  • Kid-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy – a great way to get them to eat their veggies.
  • Versatile dish suitable for both regular dinners and special occasions, making it a go-to side dish for any meal.
  • Adds an impressive touch to the table when entertaining guests, showcasing your culinary skills without the stress.
  • Pecans provide a delightful crunch and complement the soft sweet potatoes, adding a textural contrast to the dish.
  • Easily customizable with different nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts, or the addition of dried cranberries for extra sweetness and color.
  • Offers make-ahead convenience as the dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks.
  • Can be served alongside a variety of main dishes such as roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled steak for a well-rounded meal.
  • Receives rave reviews and recipe requests from guests, making it a surefire way to impress friends and family with your cooking prowess.

Ingredients for Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds

Maple Garlic Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

How to Make Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

Combine melted butter, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well mixed.

Step 3: Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Coat sweet potato rounds with glaze in a bowl, ensuring each slice is well coated. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving space between each slice.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden-edged.

Step 5: Add Pecans

Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the sweet potatoes during the final 5 minutes of roasting to warm them up.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Place the sweet potato rounds on a serving platter in overlapping rows. Optional: sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving warm.

Storage Tips

After making Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days. To maintain their best flavor and texture, store the sweet potatoes in an airtight container. When reheating, place them in the oven to help them retain some crispiness, though they may not be as crispy as when freshly made. Alternatively, you can serve them at room temperature as part of a salad or grain bowl for a different presentation.

The sweet potatoes are versatile and pair well with various main dishes, such as roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled steak. If you want to switch up the recipe, try using different nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans. For extra sweetness and color, consider adding dried cranberries during the last few minutes of cooking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper into the glaze to balance the maple sweetness nicely. These sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also travel well, making them a great addition to potluck dinners or when hosting guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a substitution in this Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes recipe, you can consider using honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different flavor profile. The sweetness will still complement the savory garlic butter nicely. Additionally, if you don’t have pecans on hand or prefer a different nut, you can try using walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

For those who prefer a bit of spice, you can experiment by adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture to give the sweet potatoes a subtle heat. This can provide a nice contrast to the maple sweetness and savory garlic flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness. These substitutions can help tailor the dish to your taste preferences while keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes as a festive side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Arrange the sweet potato rounds on a large platter, drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce on top, and sprinkle with the toasted pecans and fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. The combination of sweet maple syrup, savory garlic, and crunchy pecans will be a hit with your guests and add a touch of elegance to your holiday table.

For a casual weeknight dinner, turn these sweet potatoes into a hearty main course by layering them with cooked quinoa or brown rice, a handful of mixed greens, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream. The contrasting textures and flavors will create a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to put together. Feel free to customize the toppings with additional ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, diced avocado, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to suit your taste preferences.

FAQs for Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile and texture.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning when making the butter mixture?

Mince the garlic finely and ensure it is well distributed in the butter mixture to prevent clumps that can burn. This will help infuse the sweet potatoes with garlic flavor without any bitter or burnt taste.

Can I make these Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, these sweet potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Simply reheat them in the oven when ready to serve. While the texture may not be as crispy as when fresh, they will still be delicious.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can experiment with adding dried cranberries during the last few minutes of cooking for extra sweetness and color. Additionally, a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the glaze can add a subtle heat that balances the maple sweetness nicely.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes becomes a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. The perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and savory garlic butter truly elevates the humble sweet potato into a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – try different nuts, add dried cranberries, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the flavors to your liking. The versatility of these Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes makes them a great addition to any meal, from casual gatherings to holiday feasts. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a family favorite that everyone will be asking for. Enjoy every flavorful bite of these delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes!

Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

Delicious Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

“Maple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes: A perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, with a crispy texture and a touch of elegance.”
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time30 Minutes
Total Time40 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds

Maple Garlic Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the Glaze: Combine melted butter, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well mixed.
  3. Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Coat sweet potato rounds with glaze in a bowl, ensuring each slice is well coated. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving space between each slice.
  4. Roast the Potatoes: Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden-edged.
  5. Add Pecans: Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the sweet potatoes during the final 5 minutes of roasting to warm them up.
  6. Plate and Garnish: Place the sweet potato rounds on a serving platter in overlapping rows. Optional: sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving warm.