Pin It Transform humble sweet potatoes into a caramelized, cinnamon-scented side dish that's impossible to resist. These tender cubes develop a beautifully golden exterior while staying soft and creamy inside. The combination of olive oil, sea salt, and warm cinnamon creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep work, this versatile dish complements everything from roasted meats to grain bowls. Add optional maple syrup for extra sweetness or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
The smell of cinnamon hitting warm sweet potatoes always stops me in my tracks, no matter how many times I make this simple side. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting but effortless. Now those caramelized edges have become my go to answer for quick weeknight dinners.
Last Thanksgiving my aunt who claims to despise sweet potatoes went back for thirds. She kept asking what secret ingredient I used, looking genuinely confused when I said just cinnamon and olive oil. Sometimes the most humble ingredients create the most memorable moments.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm potatoes without soft spots or sprouts, and cut them into uniform cubes so they roast evenly
- Olive oil: Helps the cinnamon adhere and creates those crispy edges we all love
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that transforms this into something cozy and familiar
- Sea salt: Essential for balancing the natural sweetness
- Black pepper: Just enough to add depth without competing with the cinnamon
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Coat the potatoes:
- Toss the cubes with olive oil and seasonings until every piece is glistening
- Spread them out:
- Arrange in a single layer with space between pieces for proper caramelization
- Roast to perfection:
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until edges are golden and fork tender
- Serve immediately:
- These are best enjoyed hot from the oven while the edges are still slightly crisp
Pin It My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year, and honestly, I cannot blame her. There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that tastes indulgent but is essentially just vegetables and spices.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a tablespoon of maple syrup halfway through roasting when I want an extra layer of sweetness. A pinch of cayenne pepper creates this beautiful sweet heat balance that surprises people in the best way.
Perfect Pairings
These sweet potatoes hold their own beside roasted chicken or pork, but they also shine in grain bowls with quinoa and greens. The cinnamon warmth even works alongside black bean dishes for unexpected harmony.
Storage Solutions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in a 350F oven for 10 minutes to restore some of the original crispiness, or warm briefly in the microwave if you are in a rush.
- Freeze roasted portions for up to three months
- Add leftover cubes to morning oatmeal for extra texture
- Mash leftovers with a little butter for a quick side
Pin It Simple recipes like this remind me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. Just good food, simply prepared, shared with people you love.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get crispy roasted sweet potatoes?
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Achieve perfect crispiness by cutting sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes and arranging them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which creates steam and prevents proper caramelization. Roasting at 425°F ensures the exterior develops a golden crunch while the interior remains tender.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container with cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- → What other spices work well with cinnamon?
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Nutmeg, allspice, or ginger complement cinnamon beautifully for a sweeter profile. For savory variations, try adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cumin. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds subtle heat that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- → Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
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Peeling is recommended for the most tender, uniform results. The skin can become tough and chewy during roasting. However, if you prefer extra fiber and don't mind the texture difference, scrub well and leave the skin on before cutting into cubes.
- → How do I know when they're done?
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Sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted when they're fork-tender with deep golden-brown caramelization on multiple sides. The exterior should have slight crispness while the interior yields easily to a fork. This typically takes 25-30 minutes at 425°F, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
- → What main dishes pair well with this?
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These cinnamon-spiced cubes complement roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or baked salmon beautifully. They also shine alongside vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or stuffed portobello mushrooms. For a casual meal, serve with grain bowls, black bean burgers, or holiday roasts.
