Roasted Sweet Potatoes Cinnamon

There was this gray November afternoon when my tiny apartment smelled like caramel and warmth. I had grabbed sweet potatoes on impulse and decided roasting them with cinnamon was better than dwelling on the fading daylight. The kitchen filled with such comfort that I forgot everything else for thirty minutes.

Last Thanksgiving my sister asked what made these sweet potatoes taste different from all others she had tried. I confessed it was just high heat patience and letting the cinnamon work its magic. Now she sends me photos every time she makes them for her own family.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have smooth unblemished skin for the sweetest results
• Olive oil: Coats every cube and helps the cinnamon cling while creating those irresistible caramelized edges
• Ground cinnamon: The warm backbone that transforms simple roasted potatoes into something nostalgic
• Sea salt: Essential for balancing the natural sweetness and bringing out all the flavors
• Black pepper: Adds just enough subtle warmth to keep each bite interesting
• Maple syrup or honey: Optional but creates a gorgeous glaze if you want extra sweetness
• Ground nutmeg: A whisper of spice that deepens the cinnamon without overpowering

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Crank it to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless

Toss everything together:

In a large bowl combine the sweet potato cubes with olive oil cinnamon salt pepper and any optional additions until every piece is glistening

Spread them out:

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet giving each piece room to breathe

Roast to perfection:

Let them cook for 25 to 30 minutes flipping halfway through until they are golden brown with crispy edges

Serve warm:

Bring them to the table immediately maybe with an extra dusting of cinnamon if you are feeling fancy

Save

These became my go to dish during that first year of teaching when I needed something nourishing but did not have energy for complicated cooking. The ritual of peeling and cubing became almost meditative.

Making Them Your Own

I have discovered that a pinch of cayenne pepper creates this beautiful contrast that wakes up your palate. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work surprisingly well too.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet potatoes hold their own alongside roasted chicken or pork but they are equally happy next to a simple green salad. They have become my unexpected holiday contribution.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days though the crispy texture softens. Reheat in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes to recapture some of that roasted magic.

• Never microwave them unless you want sad steamed potatoes
• Add them to grain bowls or salads for quick lunch upgrades
• Double the recipe because they disappear faster than expected

Save

Simple does not mean boring and these sweet potatoes prove it every single time they emerge from the oven golden and fragrant.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sweet potatoes work best?

Firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal for roasting as they caramelize nicely while retaining tenderness.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Yes, adding maple syrup or honey offers extra sweetness, but it's optional to keep a more savory profile.

→ How do I get crispy edges on the potatoes?

Ensure the sweet potatoes are spread in a single layer without overcrowding and roast at a high temperature for best results.

→ Can I add other spices?

Absolutely, a pinch of cayenne or fresh herbs like parsley can add warmth or brightness to the dish.

→ How long should I roast the sweet potatoes?

Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn golden and tender throughout.