Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and comforting. This recipe for Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Honey is a timeless classic, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a standout dish on your holiday table. This simple yet elegant recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into tender, caramelized bites of perfection. Coated in a light glaze of honey, olive oil, and warm cinnamon, this is a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy side dish that the whole family will adore.
Why This is the Ultimate Sweet Potato Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for so many reasons.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is perfectly enhanced by the warm cinnamon and the rich honey, creating a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Super Easy to Make: This is a true “toss and bake” recipe. The prep work takes just a few minutes, and then the oven does all the work.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and fiber. This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome vegetable.
- Wonderfully Versatile: It’s the perfect side dish for almost any main course, from roasted chicken to pork tenderloin, and it’s a must-have for any Thanksgiving or holiday feast.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this spectacular side dish.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- For Garnish (Optional): Fresh chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready for the easiest, most delicious sweet potatoes you’ve ever made.
Part 1: Prepare and Season
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform, 1-inch cubes. This ensures they all cook evenly.
- Combine and Coat: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, and a generous pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly and thoroughly coated in the mixture.
Part 2: Roast to Perfection
- Arrange on Pan: Spread the coated sweet potato cubes in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan so they can roast and caramelize properly.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to toss the potatoes about halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork and have beautiful, caramelized brown edges.
- Serve: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes? While this recipe calls for peeled sweet potatoes for the best texture, you can leave the skin on if you prefer. Just be sure to scrub the potatoes very well before cubing them. The skin will add extra fiber and will get slightly crispy in the oven.
2. How can I make this recipe savory instead of sweet? To give this a savory twist, you can omit the honey and cinnamon. Instead, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a delicious, smoky, and savory version.
3. How do I get my roasted sweet potatoes crispy? There are three keys to crispy roasted sweet potatoes. First, make sure your oven is hot enough (425°F is great). Second, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give the potatoes space to roast rather than steam. Third, make sure they are cut into uniform pieces so they all cook at the same rate.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat and bring back some of their crispiness, it’s best to warm them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in an air fryer or in the microwave.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Honey
Equipment
- large rimmed baking sheet for roasting
- Mixing bowl for tossing sweet potatoes with seasoning
- Parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the edges.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.