Mediterranean Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts
This dish takes naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes and pairs them with maple syrup, walnuts, and Mediterranean herbs for a perfect side dish. The walnuts add crunch, the maple glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, and the thyme (or rosemary) gives a fragrant, savory balance. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for holiday tables.
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes: 2–4 medium, peeled and sliced into rounds or cubes
Olive Oil: 2–3 tablespoons, for roasting
Maple Syrup: 2–4 tablespoons, for sweetness and glaze
Walnuts: ¼ to ½ cup, chopped
Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon or a few sprigs
Cinnamon: ½ to 1 teaspoon (optional)
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
Optional Mediterranean Additions:
Feta Cheese: Crumbled, for a tangy, salty finish
Rosemary: Fresh sprigs, in place of or with thyme
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, tossed in with the potatoes before roasting
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut into rounds or cubes, about ½-inch thick for even roasting.
Season: In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, thyme (or rosemary), cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper. If adding garlic, mix it in now.
Roast: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden around the edges.
Add Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the sweet potatoes and roast for another 5–8 minutes, just until the nuts are fragrant and lightly toasted.
Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta before serving for extra Mediterranean flavor. Serve warm as a side dish.
Tips & Variations
Texture Boost: For extra crisp edges, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the sweet potatoes space so they roast instead of steam.
Sweeter Glaze: If you prefer a more caramelized, sticky glaze, add the maple syrup halfway through roasting instead of at the start.
Nut Options: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pistachios for a different Mediterranean-inspired crunch.
Cheesy Twist: Crumbled feta or even goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish that balances the sweetness.
Herbal Depth: Use a mix of thyme and rosemary for layered Mediterranean flavors. Oregano also works nicely for a sharper herb note.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to contrast the sweetness with some gentle heat.
Make It a Meal: Toss the roasted sweet potatoes and walnuts with arugula, spinach, or kale and a drizzle of balsamic reduction to turn it into a hearty salad.
Advance Prep: You can roast the sweet potatoes ahead, then reheat and add walnuts and feta right before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, honey works well. It will give a slightly different flavor and caramelize a bit quicker, so keep an eye on the roasting time.
Q: Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
A: Peeling is optional. The skins add extra fiber and nutrients. Just scrub them well if you prefer to leave them on.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast the sweet potatoes in advance, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Add the walnuts and feta just before serving.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It pairs well with roasted chicken, salmon, lamb chops, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, as written it’s vegan. If you add feta cheese, it becomes vegetarian instead.
Nutrition
(per serving, 4 servings)
Approximate values:
Calories: 240–260
Protein: 3–4 g
Carbohydrates: 32–35 g
Fiber: 5–6 g
Sugars: 10–12 g
Fat: 11–13 g
Saturated Fat: 1–2 g
Sodium: 150–200 mg (without feta)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts is a simple yet flavor-packed side dish that balances sweet, savory, and nutty notes beautifully. The maple syrup caramelizes the potatoes, while the walnuts add crunch and thyme or rosemary brings Mediterranean warmth. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, holiday table, or as part of a mezze-style spread, it’s a versatile recipe that always feels special.