Roasted Sweet Potato Side (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Sweet Potatoes

01 - 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes
02 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Maple Walnut Topping

06 - ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
07 - ⅓ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

# Instructions:

01 - Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. You can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer.
02 - Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) so it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake.
03 - Place your sweet potato rounds in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over them, then add the cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until each slice is well coated. If you want less mess, try putting everything in a large ziplock bag and shaking it up instead.
04 - Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece so they can roast properly instead of steaming. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they're fork-tender.
05 - While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the maple syrup, chopped walnuts, remaining cinnamon, and thyme in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
06 - Take the baking sheet out of the oven and spoon about a teaspoon of the maple walnut mixture onto each sweet potato slice, spreading it evenly across the top.
07 - Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to caramelize and turn golden brown.
08 - Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving platter. They're delicious on their own, or you can sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra savory kick.

# Notes:

01 - The baking time can vary based on how thick you cut your sweet potato slices, so keep an eye on them and test with a fork to make sure they're tender all the way through.
02 - For a delicious sweet and savory contrast, top the finished dish with crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
03 - Feel free to swap the walnuts for pecans if that's what you have on hand - both work beautifully with the maple syrup.