Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts

These roasted sweet potatoes are caramelized until deeply golden, coated in warm spices, and drizzled with pure maple syrup that turns into a glossy, sticky glaze in the oven. Once roasted, they’re topped with creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of seeds for texture. It’s a vibrant, rustic side dish that tastes both comforting and gourmet — perfect for holiday tables, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.


🧾 Full Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra gloss and richness)

  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for best flavor)

  • 2–3 tbsp fresh herbs — parsley or cilantro

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or dukkah (optional)


Instructions

1. Prep the sweet potatoes

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Place sweet potato cubes in a large bowl.

2. Season and coat

Add:

  • olive oil

  • maple syrup

  • cinnamon

  • nutmeg

  • salt

  • pepper

Toss until every cube is glossy and coated.

3. Roast

  • Spread potatoes out in a single layer (space helps them caramelize).

  • Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are darkened and sticky.

4. Optional glaze boost

When they come out of the oven:

  • Toss with 1 tbsp butter for a shiny, rich finish.

5. Add toppings

Transfer to a serving tray and sprinkle:

  • crumbled feta

  • chopped toasted walnuts

  • fresh herbs

  • sesame seeds or dukkah (optional)

6. Serve warm

Goes great with roasted meats, grain bowls, fall salads, or on its own.


🍽 Flavor Notes

  • Sweet: Maple syrup + natural caramelization

  • Salty & tangy: Feta cheese

  • Crunch: Walnuts + sesame/dukkah

  • Warm spice: Cinnamon & nutmeg

  • Freshness: Herbs brighten everything


🔄 Variations

  • Make it vegan: Use vegan feta or omit cheese, skip butter.

  • Add heat: Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle hot honey.

  • Make it savory: Replace maple syrup with garlic + smoked paprika.

  • Mediterranean twist: Add lemon zest and thyme.

  • Holiday upgrade: Add pomegranate seeds for color + acidity.


❓ Related Questions You Might Ask

Here are useful prompts you can follow-up with:

Cooking & Technique

  • “How can I make this dish crispier instead of soft?”

  • “What’s the best way to toast walnuts for maximum flavor?”

Substitutions

  • “What can I use instead of feta?”

  • “Can I replace maple syrup with honey or brown sugar?”

Meal Ideas

  • “What main dishes pair well with caramelized sweet potatoes?”

  • “Can you turn this into a full dinner bowl?”

Nutritional Information

  • “Can you calculate the calories and macros for this recipe?”

Scaling & Storage

  • “How do I scale this recipe for 10 people?”

  • “How do I store and reheat without losing texture?”

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