Description
A delightful and wholesome Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole featuring tender sweet potatoes and onions roasted to perfection with a hint of maple syrup, savory garlic, and thyme, topped with crunchy walnuts and fresh parsley for a cozy, flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Add-ins & Garnish
- ½ cup walnut pieces
- Fresh parsley for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly and developing a nice caramelized flavor.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, then set it aside for later use.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix the cubed sweet potatoes and diced yellow onion together, preparing them for seasoning and roasting.
- Add Flavors: Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and maple syrup to the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly so the sweet potatoes and onions are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss again to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Arrange in Pan: Pour the seasoned vegetables into the prepared baking pan and spread them out evenly in a single layer to promote even roasting.
- First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften and develop a golden roasted exterior.
- Add Walnuts: Remove the pan from the oven carefully, gently stir in the walnut pieces to incorporate some crunch and additional flavor into the casserole.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to toast the walnuts and meld all flavors beautifully.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the roasted sweet potato casserole to a serving bowl and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant and fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional; leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Maple syrup adds sweetness and helps caramelize the potatoes; you can adjust the amount to taste.
- Ensure you stir gently when adding walnuts to prevent breaking them into too small pieces.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian main when served with a grain or salad.
