Spicy Bourbon-Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes roasted to perfection with a spicy bourbon-maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the edges. This American-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs sweet potatoes, bourbon, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon, 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs peeled and 1-inch cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the bourbon-maple glaze.
- Step 3: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary over the hot potatoes, tossing gently to distribute the fragrant herb.
- Step 6: Serve warm as a flavorful side dish with a balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Bourbon-Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Spicy Bourbon-Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
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 sweet potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Bourbon-Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
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 Spicy Bourbon-Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Spicy Bourbon-Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
