Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts are one of those recipes that hit every note—sweet, salty, nutty, and cozy all at once. Imagine golden roasted cubes with edges just crisp enough to crunch, soft creamy centers, and a glossy maple coating that makes your kitchen smell like autumn itself. Add in the salty pop of feta and the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, and you’ve got a side dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to sneak bites straight from the pan. Let’s dive in—because this recipe deserves a permanent spot on your table.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about balance. The maple syrup caramelizes in the oven, giving the sweet potatoes a rich glaze. Feta cheese cuts through with salty tang, while walnuts bring texture that keeps every bite exciting.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but still impressive. And come holiday season? Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts practically demand a spot on the buffet table.
The taste is a mix of savory-sweet comfort food with just enough sophistication to wow guests. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients—sweet potatoes deliver fiber and vitamin A, walnuts add healthy fats, and feta provides calcium and protein.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula for tossing
- Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)
Substitutions & Variations
You can make Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts your own:
- Swap feta for goat cheese if you prefer something creamier.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a sweeter nutty flavor.
- Try a drizzle of honey if you’re out of maple syrup.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until coated.
- Spread them in a single layer on the sheet. Don’t overcrowd—space makes caramelization magic happen.
- Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. The edges should be golden and slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with feta, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Serving Ideas
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts shine on their own, but they’re versatile:
- Pair with roasted chicken or grilled salmon.
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, arugula, and chickpeas.
- Serve at Thanksgiving alongside stuffing and cranberry sauce.
If you’re obsessed with sweet potato sides like I am, try these next:
- Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
- Sweet Potato Cranberry Feta Salad
Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes into even cubes for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip flipping them halfway—it ensures all sides caramelize.
- Toast walnuts before sprinkling for a deeper, nutty crunch.
- Add feta right before serving so it stays creamy instead of melting.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts keep beautifully:
- Store in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive crisp edges.
- Freeze plain roasted sweet potatoes (without feta/walnuts) for up to 2 months, then add toppings when reheated.
Nutrition Information (per serving, 4 servings)
| Calories | Carbs | Fiber | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Unsaturated Fat | Sugar | Sodium | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 235 | 29g | 4g | 5g | 11g | 2.5g | 7.5g | 9g | 260mg | 10mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—swap feta for a plant-based cheese or skip it entirely. The maple-walnut combo still delivers loads of flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can roast the sweet potatoes earlier, then reheat and add feta/walnuts right before serving.
Can I air fry instead of oven roast?
Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
Conclusion
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a holiday dish that steals the spotlight, this recipe does it all. Crispy edges, creamy centers, salty cheese, and crunchy nuts—it’s the ultimate comfort-meets-gourmet combination.
If you loved this, don’t miss Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta, Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans, and Sweet Potato Cranberry Feta Salad. More sweet potato joy awaits!
And hey—if you make this recipe, I’d love to see it. Share your photos, leave a review, and pin it to your favorite holiday boards.
Print
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts | Easy 40-Minute Side Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Feta & Crunchy Walnuts are the kind of side dish that make you stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” Sweet and golden on the outside, soft on the inside, kissed with maple syrup, and finished with salty feta and crunchy walnuts—it’s cozy, festive, and absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until coated.
Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized at the edges.
Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with feta and toasted walnuts.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t skip flipping halfway through—this is where the caramelized magic happens.
Toasting the walnuts before sprinkling makes the flavor pop.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based feta or skip the cheese.
Make ahead tip: roast the sweet potatoes, store them, and add feta and walnuts just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2,5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7,5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg