Looking for a side dish that’s equal parts elegant and comforting? These Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Blue Cheese & Candied Pecans strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Each bite combines the caramelized sweetness of maple-glazed sweet potatoes with the bold, creamy tang of blue cheese and the crunchy richness of candied pecans. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort — ideal for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any meal that deserves a little extra flair.
Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a flavor-packed side that complements everything from roast chicken to steak, and it might just steal the spotlight at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor contrast — sweet maple, tangy cheese, and nutty crunch.
- Simple ingredients, big results — pantry staples turned into a gourmet dish.
- Perfect for holidays — elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Naturally gluten-free — no flour or grains required.
- Make-ahead friendly — easy to reheat or serve at room temperature.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re a fan of dishes that play with sweet and savory, this one’s for you. The natural sugars in sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully when roasted with maple syrup and olive oil, creating a sticky, golden glaze. Then, just when you think it couldn’t get better, it’s finished with salty, creamy blue cheese and crunchy candied pecans for a luxurious final touch.
It’s balanced, bold, and utterly irresistible — the kind of side dish people will talk about long after the meal is over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 450 g), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Candied Pecans:
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
How to Make Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Blue Cheese & Candied Pecans (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast to caramelized perfection
Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized at the edges.
Step 4: Make the candied pecans
While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the pecans. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bubbles. Add pecans and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until coated and glossy. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Transfer roasted sweet potatoes to a serving platter. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and candied pecans over the top. Garnish with thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Cut evenly sized cubes — ensures even roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — allows caramelization instead of steaming.
- Flip halfway through — helps them roast evenly on all sides.
- Use real maple syrup — not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor.
- Toast pecans lightly first — enhances their nutty flavor.
- Add cheese last — so it softens slightly without fully melting.
- Balance the sweetness — taste and add more salt if needed.
- Try different cheeses — goat cheese or feta also work beautifully.
- Use parchment paper — prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Serve immediately — warm sweet potatoes bring out the maple aroma.
Variations & Substitutions
- No Blue Cheese? Use crumbled feta or goat cheese instead.
- Vegan Option: Skip the cheese or use a vegan blue-style cheese; replace butter with coconut oil.
- Add Greens: Toss with arugula or baby spinach for a warm salad version.
- Add Bacon: Crumble crispy bacon over the top for a smoky contrast.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the maple glaze.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with a bit more maple syrup before serving.
- Different Nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Balsamic Finish: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- Creamier Texture: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side.
- Holiday Garnish: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for color and freshness.
What to Serve With Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak
- Holiday mains like glazed ham or turkey
- Grain bowls with quinoa or farro
- Crisp salads with citrus vinaigrette
- Warm soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes until heated through. Add the blue cheese and pecans after reheating to maintain texture.
To Make Ahead:
Roast the sweet potatoes and make the candied pecans up to 1 day ahead. Assemble with cheese before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes — honey gives a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
You can, but they’ll be softer and slightly sweeter.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, the skin adds texture and nutrients — just scrub them well.
What kind of blue cheese works best?
Gorgonzola for mild flavor, Roquefort or Stilton for bolder taste.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes — simply omit the pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes — use plant-based butter and skip the cheese or use vegan blue cheese.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes — it’s delicious at room temperature or chilled as a salad.
Can I add onions or garlic?
Yes — toss in red onion wedges or roasted garlic for depth.
How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Roast at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — use two sheet pans to ensure even roasting.
Final Thoughts
These Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Blue Cheese & Candied Pecans are a true celebration of flavor — the sweet maple glaze, the creamy tang of blue cheese, and the crunch of pecans create the perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy fall dinner, this dish will add a touch of elegance and warmth to your table. Simple, seasonal, and absolutely irresistible — this is one recipe that turns sweet potatoes into something truly special.