Perfect Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Crispy Candied Pecans: An Easy Side Dish Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate side dish experience with these incredible roasted sweet potato slices. Each slice boasts a perfectly creamy interior and beautifully caramelized edges, crowned with a generous sprinkle of crispy, golden candied pecans. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a sensational accompaniment that’s guaranteed to elevate any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe

Sweet potatoes hold a special place in my heart, and it seems my 5-year-old shares my obsession! He enjoys them in every form, and I couldn’t agree more. This particular recipe for roasted sweet potato slices is a game-changer, reminiscent of a classic sweet potato casserole but with significantly less effort and a fraction of the time. You can have these delightful slices ready to savor in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!

The secret to their speed and irresistible texture lies in slicing the sweet potatoes before roasting. This method allows them to cook much faster and more evenly than a whole sweet potato, ensuring a tender, creamy inside and beautifully browned, slightly crispy edges. The homemade candied pecans sprinkled on top provide a delightful contrast – a sweet, buttery crunch that perfectly complements the soft sweetness of the potatoes. Whether you’re looking for an impressive holiday side or a simple yet satisfying addition to your everyday meals, these roasted sweet potato slices come together effortlessly and are utterly delicious. They are versatile enough to pair with virtually any main course, making them a true culinary gem you’ll want to make again and again.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Perfection

Crafting these delectable roasted sweet potato slices requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying crunch.

• Sweet Potatoes: For this recipe, I typically use medium to large sweet potatoes, aiming for about two. If your sweet potatoes are on the smaller side, using three might be better to ensure you have enough. Remember, when it comes to vegetables, sometimes bigger isn’t always better; smaller ones can often pack more flavor and cook more consistently. Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best results.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is fundamental for achieving that rich, caramelized exterior and helps the spices adhere. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially when combining it with other sweet components. I often buy butter in bulk and store extra packages in the freezer, a convenient trick to ensure I never run out!
• Maple Syrup: This natural, golden sweetener is a staple in my kitchen. Its distinct flavor pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes and cinnamon, adding depth and a touch of wholesome sweetness to the dish. I use maple syrup in a myriad of recipes, from salad dressings and granola to various desserts and savory sauces.
• Cinnamon: The warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon are a match made in heaven with sweet potatoes. It enhances their natural sweetness and adds a comforting, inviting aroma. For an extra layer of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is essential for creating those irresistible candied pecans. When combined with butter and heat, it caramelizes beautifully, forming a crisp, sugary coating around the nuts. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference for a milder or richer molasses flavor.
• Pecans: I prefer using whole pecans and chopping them myself. This allows for control over the size and ensures maximum freshness and flavor. The pecans provide a crucial textural contrast, adding a delightful crunch to the soft, roasted sweet potatoes. If pecans aren’t available, walnuts or even almonds could make a suitable substitute.

How to Make Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potato Slices: A Step-by-Step Guide

These sweet potato slices are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly roasted, flavorful sweet potatoes with a delightful candied pecan crunch.

Before you begin, ensure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature. A hot oven is crucial for achieving that desirable caramelized exterior and thorough cooking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, especially with the sticky, sweet coating.

• Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and Slice

  Start by thoroughly scrubbing your sweet potatoes. Then, use a vegetable peeler to remove their skins. While some prefer to leave the skin on for nutritional benefits, peeling ensures a smoother texture and makes the slices easier to cut and enjoy once roasted. Once peeled, slice the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch thick rounds. Consistency is key here; aim for slices that are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. If slices are too thin, they may become overly crispy or burn; too thick, and they’ll take longer to cook through.

• Craft the Flavorful Butter Mixture

  In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. This luscious mixture will be the base for both coating your sweet potatoes and candying your pecans, ensuring a cohesive flavor profile throughout the dish. Make sure it’s well-whisked for even distribution of flavor.

• Brush the Sweet Potato Slices with Butter Mixture

  Generously brush both sides and the edges of your ½-inch thick sweet potato slices with a portion of the prepared butter mixture. Ensure each slice is well-coated to promote even caramelization and flavor infusion during roasting. Arrange the brushed slices on your prepared baking sheet, leaving at least an inch of space between each piece. This prevents steaming and encourages proper browning.

• Prepare the Candied Pecans

  To the remaining butter mixture in the bowl, add the brown sugar and the finely chopped pecans. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until all the pecans are evenly coated. The combination of butter and brown sugar will work its magic in the oven, caramelizing around the nuts to create that irresistible crispy texture we’re aiming for.

• First Roast: Tenderizing the Sweet Potatoes

  Place the sheet pan with the butter-brushed sweet potato slices into your preheated oven. Roast for 12 minutes. This initial roasting period allows the sweet potatoes to soften significantly and begin to develop their natural sweetness and some caramelization on the underside. After 12 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven (use oven mitts!) and, with a thin spatula, gently flip each sweet potato slice over. Be careful as they will be hot and delicate.

• Second Roast: Adding Pecans and Achieving Caramelization

  Once flipped, evenly distribute the candied pecan mixture over the top of each sweet potato slice, ensuring a generous coating. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 8 minutes. During this final roasting stage, the sweet potatoes will finish cooking to a tender perfection, while the nuts and their sugary coating will caramelize into a crispy, golden-brown topping. Keep a close eye on them during these last few minutes to prevent the pecans from burning, as brown sugar can brown quickly. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and serve these delightful roasted sweet potato slices warm for the best flavor and texture!

To Peel or Not to Peel: The Sweet Potato Skin Dilemma

A common question when preparing sweet potatoes is whether to peel them or leave the skin intact. For this particular recipe, it is generally best to peel the sweet potatoes first. The skin, while edible and nutritious, can be quite fibrous and chewy once roasted, which might detract from the overall smooth and creamy texture of these slices. Additionally, leaving the skin on can make it harder to achieve those beautifully caramelized edges and can also make the roasted slices more challenging to cut and eat, especially for younger children. If you opt to keep the skins on for a more rustic feel or for added fiber, ensure you scrub them very well before slicing, and be prepared to use a sharp knife when serving the roasted sweet potatoes to cut through the slightly tougher skin.

Tips for Success: Achieving the Best Roasted Sweet Potatoes

To ensure your roasted sweet potato slices turn out perfectly every time, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Uniform Slicing: As mentioned, aim for ½-inch thick slices that are as uniform as possible. This is the single most important factor for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can achieve this quickly, but always use caution and a guard.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your sweet potato slices space on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, leading to softer, less caramelized results. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure a single layer with ample space.
• Hot Oven is Key: Preheating your oven to the full 425°F (220°C) is crucial. High heat promotes rapid caramelization and creates those desirable crispy edges.
• Watch the Pecans: Brown sugar and nuts can go from perfectly candied to burnt very quickly. Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes during the last 8 minutes of roasting. If they start to look too dark, you can lightly tent the pan with foil.
• Adjust Cooking Time: All ovens vary. Your sweet potatoes might need a minute or two more or less depending on their exact thickness and your oven’s calibration. Check for tenderness with a fork; it should slide in easily.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Sweet Potato Slices

These versatile roasted sweet potato slices with candied pecans are more than just a side dish; they can be the star of your meal planning. Their sweet and savory profile makes them an excellent companion to a wide array of main courses and occasions:

• Holiday Feasts: They are a natural fit for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, offering a less heavy but equally flavorful alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole. Pair them with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a succulent beef roast.
• Weeknight Dinners: Elevate a simple weeknight meal. They complement roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian main like lentil loaf or black bean burgers.
• Grilled Meats: Enjoy them alongside grilled salmon, chicken breasts, or steak for a balanced and satisfying meal, especially during warmer months.
• Brunch: Serve them as part of a sweet and savory brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a quiche.
• Comfort Food Evenings: On a chilly evening, these warm, sweet potatoes are perfect with a bowl of chili or a comforting stew.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Sweet Potatoes Fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious roasted sweet potato slices, storing them properly ensures you can enjoy them again later.

• Store: Place any leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This will help maintain their flavor and prevent them from drying out.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply place the sweet potatoes on a heatproof plate and warm them in the microwave until heated through. For a crisper result, you can gently reheat them in a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer, until warmed and the pecans have regained some of their crunch.
• Freezing: While sweet potatoes generally freeze well, the candied pecans might lose some of their crispness after freezing and thawing. If freezing, arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Sweet Potato Recipes to Explore:

If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes like us, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Creamy and comforting, a classic side dish.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Maple Butter & Pecans – A hearty and flavorful individual serving.
• Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A simpler, Whole30-friendly roasted version.
• Roasted Green Beans & Sweet Potatoes – A colorful and nutritious vegetable medley.