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
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3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp pure maple syrup
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp salt (or to taste)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra gloss and richness)
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⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
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⅓ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for best flavor)
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2–3 tbsp fresh herbs — parsley or cilantro
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1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or dukkah (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the sweet potatoes
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place sweet potato cubes in a large bowl.
2. Season and coat
Add:
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olive oil
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maple syrup
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cinnamon
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nutmeg
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salt
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pepper
Toss until every cube is glossy and coated.
3. Roast
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Spread potatoes out in a single layer (space helps them caramelize).
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Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are darkened and sticky.
4. Optional glaze boost
When they come out of the oven:
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Toss with 1 tbsp butter for a shiny, rich finish.
5. Add toppings
Transfer to a serving tray and sprinkle:
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crumbled feta
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chopped toasted walnuts
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fresh herbs
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sesame seeds or dukkah (optional)
6. Serve warm
Goes great with roasted meats, grain bowls, fall salads, or on its own.
🍽 Flavor Notes
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Sweet: Maple syrup + natural caramelization
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Salty & tangy: Feta cheese
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Crunch: Walnuts + sesame/dukkah
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Warm spice: Cinnamon & nutmeg
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Freshness: Herbs brighten everything
🔄 Variations
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Make it vegan: Use vegan feta or omit cheese, skip butter.
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Add heat: Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle hot honey.
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Make it savory: Replace maple syrup with garlic + smoked paprika.
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Mediterranean twist: Add lemon zest and thyme.
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Holiday upgrade: Add pomegranate seeds for color + acidity.
❓ Related Questions You Might Ask
Here are useful prompts you can follow-up with:
Cooking & Technique
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“How can I make this dish crispier instead of soft?”
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“What’s the best way to toast walnuts for maximum flavor?”
Substitutions
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“What can I use instead of feta?”
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“Can I replace maple syrup with honey or brown sugar?”
Meal Ideas
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“What main dishes pair well with caramelized sweet potatoes?”
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“Can you turn this into a full dinner bowl?”
Nutritional Information
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“Can you calculate the calories and macros for this recipe?”
Scaling & Storage
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“How do I scale this recipe for 10 people?”
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“How do I store and reheat without losing texture?”
