Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

This roasted sweet potato dish transforms simple ingredients into a caramelized, cinnamon-infused side that balances sweetness with earthy depth. Perfect alongside roast chicken or as part of a holiday spread, these sweet potatoes develop irresistible crispy edges while maintaining a tender interior.

I first made these sweet potatoes when looking for a healthier alternative to traditional candied yams for Thanksgiving. The family raved about them so much that they've become our new tradition, appearing on our table year-round rather than just during holidays.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes chosen for their vibrant orange color and natural sweetness. Look for firm potatoes without soft spots for best results
• Olive oil helps create those beautiful caramelized edges. Extra virgin adds a subtle flavor dimension
• Honey contributes natural sweetness and helps with caramelization. Local honey brings wonderful nuanced flavors
• Ground cinnamon adds warm aromatic notes that pair perfectly with sweet potatoes. Freshly ground provides the most intense flavor
• Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Flaky sea salt works beautifully as a finishing touch
• Fresh parsley provides a bright color contrast and fresh herbaceous note. Italian flat-leaf variety offers stronger flavor than curly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating Your Oven

Set your oven to 425°F and allow it to fully preheat before adding your sweet potatoes. This high temperature is crucial for developing caramelization without mushiness. Position your rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.

Coating The Sweet Potatoes

Combine your cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil first, ensuring each piece gets a light coating. This creates a base for the honey and cinnamon to adhere to. Then add honey while it is still somewhat warm for easier mixing, followed by cinnamon and salt. Toss gently but thoroughly until every cube is evenly coated with the mixture.

Arranging For Roasting

The secret to perfectly roasted sweet potatoes is giving them space on the baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer with small gaps between pieces. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Roasting To Perfection

Place your baking sheet in the fully preheated oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. At this point, remove the sheet and carefully turn the sweet potatoes using a spatula. This ensures even browning on multiple sides. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, watching closely in the final minutes to prevent burning.

Serving With Flair

Transfer your finished sweet potatoes to a serving dish while still hot. The aroma will be intoxicating. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for both visual appeal and a fresh flavor contrast to the sweet, warm spices.

Bookmark

The cinnamon is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when experimenting with different spices, and the way it enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes creates an almost dessert-like quality while still remaining firmly in side dish territory. My grandmother always said cinnamon was nature's sweet tooth satisfier, and she was absolutely right.

Storage And Reheating

These roasted sweet potatoes keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This maintains their texture better than microwave reheating, which can make them soggy. For meal prep, you can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Versatile Variations

This recipe serves as a wonderful base for countless variations. For a more savory version, replace the cinnamon with rosemary and thyme. For a spicy-sweet combination, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the mix. You can also transform these into a complete meal by tossing the roasted potatoes with quinoa, black beans, and avocado for a hearty grain bowl.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet potatoes complement both casual and elegant meals. They shine alongside grilled meats, particularly pork tenderloin or roast chicken. For a vegetarian feast, serve them with a hearty kale salad and some roasted chickpeas. During fall and winter holidays, they provide a healthier alternative to more traditional sweet potato casseroles while still delivering satisfying comfort.

Selecting The Best Sweet Potatoes

The quality of your sweet potatoes significantly impacts the final dish. Look for medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. The deeper orange the flesh, the sweeter and more flavorful your dish will be. Store them in a cool, dark place rather than the refrigerator, which can affect their flavor and cause them to harden in the center.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast these sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. They won't be quite as crisp as fresh-roasted, but still delicious.

→ What can I serve with these cinnamon-honey sweet potatoes?

These sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon. They also complement holiday meals alongside turkey or ham. For a vegetarian meal, serve them with a quinoa salad or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Absolutely! Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey, offering a different but complementary flavor profile. Agave nectar or brown sugar can also work well, though you may need to adjust quantities to achieve similar sweetness.

→ How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done roasting?

The sweet potatoes are done when they're fork-tender on the inside and caramelized on the outside. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, and they'll have beautiful golden-brown edges. This typically takes 25-30 minutes at 425°F.

→ Can I add other spices to this dish?

Yes! While cinnamon creates a classic flavor, you can customize with additional spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for warmth. For a savory twist, incorporate smoked paprika, cumin, or a touch of cayenne pepper for heat.

→ Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is optional. The skin contains nutrients and provides texture, so you can simply scrub them well if you prefer to keep the skin on. Cut them into slightly larger chunks if unpeeled, as the skin may need a bit more cooking time.