These Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized delight. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while a luscious glaze made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a touch of maple syrup or honey elevates them to a new level of deliciousness. The sweet potatoes are typically peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes or rounds, ensuring even cooking. They are then tossed with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper before being roasted in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, a simple glaze is prepared by melting butter in a saucepan and then whisking in brown sugar, cinnamon, and the optional maple syrup or honey. This glaze is cooked until it thickens slightly and becomes rich and syrupy. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, they are tossed with this warm glaze, ensuring each piece is coated in the sweet and spiced goodness. The roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, enhancing their sweetness and creating slightly crispy edges, which contrast beautifully with the soft interior. The cinnamon adds a warm and comforting spice, while the brown sugar and butter create a rich and decadent glaze. The optional addition of maple syrup or honey adds another layer of sweetness and flavor complexity. These Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and make a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and pork to vegetarian dishes. They are also a popular side dish for holiday meals, adding a touch of sweetness and warmth to the table. The combination of sweet and savory, along with the tender interior and slightly caramelized exterior, makes this dish a delightful and satisfying addition to any meal.
The texture of Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes is a delightful combination of tender and slightly soft on the inside with a subtly caramelized and slightly sticky exterior from the glaze. The roasting process ensures that the sweet potatoes become creamy and cooked through, while the glaze creates a smooth and luscious coating.
The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet and warm spices. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is enhanced by the brown sugar and the optional maple syrup or honey in the glaze. The cinnamon provides a comforting and aromatic warmth that complements the sweetness perfectly. The butter adds richness, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded and delicious flavor.
Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. They are particularly delicious with roasted poultry (like chicken or turkey), pork, ham, or even hearty vegetarian dishes. They are a popular addition to holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, but are also perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
The preparation of Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes involves peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes, tossing them with oil and seasonings, roasting them until tender, and then coating them in a warm cinnamon-brown sugar glaze. First, the sweet potatoes are peeled and cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. They are then tossed with a neutral oil (like olive or vegetable oil), salt, and pepper, and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. These are roasted in a preheated oven until tender and slightly caramelized. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, the glaze is made by melting butter in a saucepan and then whisking in brown sugar and cinnamon. Maple syrup or honey can also be added at this stage. The glaze is simmered briefly until it thickens slightly. Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, they are transferred to a bowl and tossed with the warm glaze until evenly coated. They are then ready to be served.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes or rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes or rounds to ensure even cooking.
- Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with the olive oil or vegetable oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Make the Glaze: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth. If using, whisk in the maple syrup or honey. Cook the glaze for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
- Glaze the Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the bowl with the warm glaze. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the sweet potato pieces are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Serve: Serve the Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes warm as a delicious side dish.
Enjoy these sweet and savory Glazed Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes!