Tender roasted sweet potatoes finished with a glossy maple glaze and a crunchy walnut topping—an easy, crowd-pleasing side that tastes like fall in every bite.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using) until evenly coated.
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes.
Flip the potatoes and continue roasting for 10–15 minutes, until tender inside and caramelized on the edges.
Meanwhile, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant; set aside.
Drizzle the roasted sweet potatoes with maple syrup and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until glossy. Toss with the toasted walnuts, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate and develop caramelized edges without drying out.Make-ahead: Roast the potatoes up to 1 day in advance. Reheat on a hot sheet pan at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes, then add the maple syrup and walnuts just before serving.Swaps & variations: Use pecans instead of walnuts; add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme for an herby note.Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Recrisp on a sheet pan at 400°F for the best texture (microwaving softens the edges).