Roasted Apple Cinnamon Potatoes

This dessert-like side dish turns everyday sweet potatoes and apples into a caramelized delight that's both nutritious and indulgent. The natural sweetness of the vegetables intensifies with roasting, while the cinnamon and maple syrup create a warm, comforting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with any main course.

I first made this dish when trying to convince my vegetable-averse nephew to try sweet potatoes. Now it's requested at every family gathering, and I've caught him sneaking seconds more than once.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Large ones work best as they caramelize beautifully in the oven and provide a substantial base for the dish
• Green apples: Granny Smith varieties offer the perfect tartness to balance the sweet potatoes
• Ground cinnamon: This warming spice enhances the natural sweetness of both main ingredients
• Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect roasted exterior while keeping the dish dairy free
• Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, adds complex sweetness and a beautiful glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. A properly heated oven ensures even browning and caramelization.

Prepare the Mixture:

Dice both sweet potatoes and apples into medium chunks of roughly equal size to ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, toss them with cinnamon and olive oil until every piece is well coated. The oil helps the cinnamon adhere while promoting browning.

Arrange for Roasting:

Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding which can lead to steaming rather than roasting. If needed, use two baking sheets to ensure proper air circulation around each piece.

Roast to Perfection:

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking halfway through to stir if parts are browning too quickly. The dish is ready when both apples and sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.

Finish with Maple Syrup:

Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with maple syrup, tossing gently to coat. The residual heat helps the syrup form a light glaze over the entire dish.

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The combination of sweet potatoes and apples creates a perfect textural contrast that keeps this dish interesting. I discovered this pairing years ago when I accidentally tossed apples into my roasting pan of sweet potatoes, and it's been a happy mistake I've continued to make ever since.

Make Ahead Options

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. You can roast the sweet potatoes and apples up to two days ahead, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add the maple syrup just before serving for the freshest flavor. The texture will be slightly softer than when freshly made, but the flavors actually develop and deepen over time.

Seasonal Variations

While this recipe calls for Granny Smith apples, you can adapt it based on seasonal availability. In the fall, try Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter profile or Braeburn for more complexity. During winter months when apples might not be at their peak, you can substitute firm pears or even add dried cranberries during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a different twist on this versatile dish.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted pork, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed portobello mushrooms. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the sweetness. During the holidays, this makes an excellent alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole, offering the familiar flavors without the marshmallow topping.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of apples for this dish?

Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness that balances the sweet potatoes, you can substitute with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile, with sweeter apples creating a more dessert-like result.

→ How do I know when the sweet potatoes are properly cooked?

The sweet potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Overcooking will cause them to become mushy, while undercooking leaves them too firm. Check at the 25-minute mark by inserting a fork—it should slide in with minimal resistance.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can dice the sweet potatoes and apples up to a day ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, roast just before serving. If needed, you can reheat leftovers at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, though the texture won't be quite as good as freshly made.

→ What main dishes pair well with this side?

This versatile side pairs beautifully with roasted pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, or baked ham. It also complements holiday meals featuring turkey or duck. For vegetarian options, serve alongside a hearty grain dish like quinoa pilaf or with plant-based protein like lentil loaf.

→ Can I substitute the maple syrup with something else?

Honey makes an excellent substitute for maple syrup, though it will impart a different flavor. Agave nectar is another option for a vegan alternative. Brown sugar mixed with a tablespoon of water can work in a pinch. For a sugar-free version, try a monk fruit sweetener designed for baking.

→ Are there any variations I can try with this basic recipe?

Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 5 minutes of roasting for extra crunch. A sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon adds complexity. For a savory twist, include diced onions and a pinch of rosemary. A dash of cayenne creates an unexpected sweet-heat combination that many enjoy.