Name: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into ½-inch-thick half-moons; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup orange juice; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons water, divided; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt; Orange zest (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, then you’re going to love this Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe. The tender, caramelized sweet potatoes are elevated by a luscious glaze that marries bright orange juice, rich maple syrup, and a hint of warm spices. Every bite bursts with vibrant color and layered taste, making this recipe a fantastic side for any meal or a star on your holiday table. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy sweet potatoes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on the right side holds thick slices of orange sweet potatoes with skin, resting on a dark wooden board. On the board, two halves of a bright orange are placed near the center. Around them, small bowls hold various ingredients: a light blue bowl with a smooth beige paste below the oranges, a white square dish filled with chopped green herbs above the oranges, a small blue bowl with a yellow creamy substance above right of the herbs, a small white pitcher with golden yellow liquid near the top center, and a clear glass with water next to it. On the white marbled surface, there is a white pitcher with a dark brown liquid in the top left corner, a small wooden bowl with white powder beside it, a pale pink bowl with white salt below, a small blue bowl with light brown sugar to the left of the herbs, a clear container with bright yellow juice below all, and a small blue bowl with white coarse salt in the bottom right corner of the board. All items are neatly arranged, creating a colorful and fresh ingredient display photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the zesty brightness of orange juice, every component works in harmony to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile and an irresistible texture.

2 pounds sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best texture and sweetness.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps achieve that golden roast.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances sweetness.
¼ cup orange juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness to the glaze.
Orange zest: Adds a fragrant, colorful garnish that pops visually and on the palate.
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Infuses a deep, natural sweetness with caramel undertones.
3 tablespoons water, divided: Helps create the perfect glaze consistency.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.
1 teaspoon light brown sugar: Provides a mild molasses flavor to enrich the glaze.
½ teaspoon grated ginger: A warming spice note that lifts the citrus and sweet flavors.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the glaze into that glossy finish.
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and lively color contrast.
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt: Adds crunch and a burst of salty contrast to the sweet glaze.

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining two baking sheets with foil. This ensures easy cleanup while getting your potatoes perfectly crispy. Toss the sweet potato half-moons with olive oil and salt until they’re evenly coated—this simple step is crucial for a golden, flavorful roast. Spread them out so each piece has room to crisp without steaming. Pop them in the oven, and in about 30 to 35 minutes, turning the trays halfway, you’ll have beautifully tender and caramelized sweet potatoes ready for their glaze.

Step 2: Whip Up the Citrus-Maple Glaze

While the potatoes roast, let’s move on to the glaze that makes this dish unforgettable. Combine orange juice, pure maple syrup, water, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. Next, mix cornstarch with the remaining water until smooth, then whisk it into the boiling liquid. Keep stirring until the glaze thickens, turns shiny, and has a luscious coating texture. This takes about three minutes and rewards your patience with a gorgeously sticky, flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes emerge from the oven and are tender with crisp edges, transfer them gently to a serving dish. Drizzle the warm citrus-maple glaze over the top, allowing it to coat every piece with glossy sweetness and a subtle tang. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and flaky sea salt to add freshness and that delightful pop of texture. If you want to really impress, scatter some orange zest for an aromatic and colorful flourish.

How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe

Two baking trays lined with crinkled aluminum foil sit on a white marbled surface. Each tray holds several evenly spaced orange sweet potato wedges, laid flat with their brown skins showing on one side. The trays are positioned diagonally, filling the frame, with the sweet potato pieces arranged in neat rows. The bright orange color of the sweet potato contrasts with the shiny, reflective foil and the subtle grey veins of the marble beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet stunning with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt as a must. The parsley’s bright green color contrasts beautifully with the orange-hued potatoes, while the flaky salt elevates every bite by balancing the sweet glaze with just the right crunch and saltiness. Adding extra orange zest is a cherry on top, intensifying the citrus notes and enhancing presentation.

Side Dishes

These roasted sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or pork for a comforting, hearty meal, or pair them with a crisp green salad to balance the richness with freshness. They also shine with grain bowls, quinoa, or even alongside your favorite holiday roast, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the sweet potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or arrange them on a vibrant platter garnished with extra herbs and zest. You can also sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and a nutty contrast that pairs perfectly with the glaze’s sweetness. For a bite-sized appetizer idea, stack the glazed sweet potatoes with dollops of tangy goat cheese or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of microgreens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and honestly, it’s hard not to devour these all at once), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining most of their flavor and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze roasted sweet potatoes, the texture may soften a bit upon thawing. For best results, freeze the sweet potatoes and glaze separately in airtight, freezer-safe containers and combine them fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that lovely roasted crisp, reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. If reheating in the microwave, do so gently in short bursts to avoid turning the potatoes mushy, then drizzle fresh glaze if needed to reintroduce that signature shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Sweet potatoes are best here for their natural sweetness and firm texture that complements the citrus-maple glaze, but you can experiment with Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes for a different twist, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will change.

Is the glaze very sweet? Can I adjust the sweetness?

The glaze is perfectly balanced with a blend of citrus tang and maple sweetness, but you can always reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil and maple syrup. Just be sure to check any additional garnishes if you decide to customize.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger will work in a pinch, though fresh grated ginger provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that really elevates the dish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free as it avoids any wheat-based ingredients, including the cornstarch used as a thickener, which is typically gluten-free. Just verify your cornstarch brand if you have celiac concerns.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe inspires you to bring a fresh, flavorful side to your table that feels both comforting and special. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with a touch of warmth, and once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s so beloved. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to sweet potato dish!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze Recipe