Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Roasting · Storage: Refrigerate for up to three days.Quick Answer
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples are a delightful autumn dish that combines tender sweet potatoes and caramelized apples, perfect for the holiday table.As the crisp autumn air settles over New York City, I find myself drawn to the warm comforts of the kitchen. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, there's something about the combination of sweet potatoes and apples that sends me spiraling into cozy memories. Today, I'm excited to share my way of making Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples, a dish that not only fills the house with aromatic spices but also brings a vibrant touch to my holiday table.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and savory flavors that evoke the spirit of the holidays.
- Simple and quick preparation, perfect for busy festive days.
- Nutritious ingredients, making it a wholesome addition to your holiday table.
- Aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with comforting scents.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with various holiday meals and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes and Apples
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium apples (I love using Honeycrisp for their sweet-tart balance), cored and sliced
Seasonings and Extras
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans (optional, but I can't recommend skipping this!)
How to Make Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples (Step-by-Step)
Get ready to fill your home with warm aromas as we roast these sweet potatoes and apples to perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). As the oven warms up, I can already smell the anticipation of roasted sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and sliced apples. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the top. I find that using a light hand when adding the salt helps elevate the sweetness without overpowering it.
Step 3: Toss and Coat
Toss everything together gently with your hands, ensuring each piece is well coated. The colors are stunning; the sweet potatoes glisten with a golden hue while the apples blush with a hint of ruby red.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the sweet potatoes and apples are in a single layer to encourage even roasting.
Step 5: Roast the Mixture
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, I like to give them a gentle stir. You'll know they're done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the apples are just starting to caramelize, with a lovely golden-brown crust forming. The aromas wafting through the air? Absolutely heavenly!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Baking Sheet: If the sweet potatoes and apples are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, leaving you with mushy results instead of crisp edges.
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on your roasting time; overcooked sweet potatoes can become too soft and lose their delightful texture.
- Forgetting to Toss: Skipping the tossing process means uneven cooking. Make sure each piece gets a good coating of oil and spices.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For added texture, consider tossing in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- If you want a little extra warmth, a splash of maple syrup mixed in with your spices can add depth and richness.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Substitute butternut squash for sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Use different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for varying sweetness and tartness.
- Incorporate spices like ginger or cloves for an added kick.
How to Serve
- Serve warm as a side dish for holiday meals.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a dessert twist.
- Add to salads for a sweet and savory crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time-simply roast it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended for this dish as it may affect texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While perfecting this recipe, I discovered that the balance of flavors is what really makes this dish sing. Allowing the sweet potatoes and apples to caramelize brings out their natural sweetness, making them the perfect complement for holiday gatherings. I also learned that it's the little touches-like tossing in nuts-that can elevate a simple vegetable dish into something unforgettable.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~180 calories · 2g protein · 30g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine diced sweet potatoes and sliced apples. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt on top.
- Toss gently to ensure each piece is well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. They are done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the apples start to caramelize.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other apples like Granny Smith or Fuji, but keep in mind that their flavor profiles will change the overall taste of the dish. Honeycrisp is favored for its sweet-tart balance.
- How do I know when the sweet potatoes and apples are done?
They are done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the apples start to caramelize, forming a lovely golden-brown crust. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast it beforehand, let it cool, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it in the oven for about 10 minutes when you're ready to serve.
- What should I do if my sweet potatoes and apples are steaming instead of roasting?
Make sure to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and ensure they are in a single layer. If they're too crowded, they will steam instead of roast.
- Can I add other ingredients to enhance the flavors?
Yes! You can toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture or a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Both additions can elevate the dish further.
