Maple-Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato with Toasted Pecans
Tender sweet potato wedges coated in a sweet-tart maple-balsamic glaze, finished with a nutty pecan crunch for balanced flavor. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, pure maple syrup, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp, chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp (optional) butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges) with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the sweet potato wedges in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until tender and golden brown.
- Step 3: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp chopped pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and drizzle with any accumulated pan juices. Top with the toasted pecans and 1 tbsp butter (if using) for a glossy finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato with Toasted Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato with Toasted Pecans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato with Toasted Pecans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato with Toasted Pecans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato with Toasted Pecans?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The maple-balsamic glaze was divine! My family devoured these sweet potatoes at dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe for a side dish. My kids asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
The glaze was delicious, but it took longer than expected to caramelize the sweet potatoes.