Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that hits that perfect sweet and savory note, you’ll fall head over heels for Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Each bite is a little celebration of creamy, crunchy, and caramelized goodness. It’s an easy, elegant side that will steal the show whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or at your next holiday feast. The combination of warm, roasted sweet potatoes, earthy walnuts, tangy goat cheese, and that lush drizzle of maple syrup is pure magic—simple to make, but impossible to forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes is in the straightforward line-up of ingredients; each one brings a special something to the table, adding color, flavor, or texture to every forkful. Here’s what you’ll need to pull this dish together:
- Sweet Potatoes: These are the heart of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange color.
- Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes roast up tender and golden, plus adds a hint of richness.
- Salt: Just enough to bring out all the other flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warms up the dish and complements the maple beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The star drizzle that ties everything together with sweetness and depth.
- Chopped Walnuts: Bring irresistible crunch and a nutty aroma after toasting.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled over the top for creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet potatoes.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (optional): Lends a pop of green and a hint of herbal freshness if you want to take it up a notch.
How to Make Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Uniform 1/2-inch cubes are key for even roasting and that perfect caramelized edge. Grab a large bowl and toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon until every piece is glistening and well-coated.
Step 2: Roast to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes out in a single layer—no overcrowding! Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re fork-tender and golden, with a few crispy edges here and there.
Step 3: Toast the Walnuts
While the potatoes are roasting, grab a dry skillet and toss in the chopped walnuts. Toast over medium heat for just a couple of minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and slightly darkened. Keep a close eye—they can go from toasted to burnt quickly!
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Once the sweet potatoes are done, transfer them to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and give everything a gentle toss so that sticky sweetness coats each piece. Scatter the warm, toasty walnuts and crumbled goat cheese on top. If you love a little herbal aroma, finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Now the best part—dig in while everything is still warm and the goat cheese is just starting to melt into the potatoes! Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes are ready to dazzle your table and your taste buds.
How to Serve Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes
For an extra burst of color and flavor, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top right before serving. The goat cheese and walnuts already make this dish visually stunning, but a little green never hurts!
Side Dishes
Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. They also shine alongside hearty grain salads or as part of a vegetarian spread with leafy greens and crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the roasted sweet potatoes on a large platter, then top with the goat cheese and walnuts for a family-style presentation. Or, serve individual portions in small bowls for an elegant starter course at a dinner party. However you present them, these sweet potatoes always make a statement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
While Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Store the roasted sweet potatoes without the goat cheese or walnuts in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too. Add the goat cheese and walnuts after reheating so they stay creamy and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a creamy tang, you can substitute with feta for a saltier bite or even creamy blue cheese if you like a bold flavor profile.
What’s the best way to chop walnuts?
For the best texture, use a sharp knife to chop walnuts into small pieces. Avoid using a food processor, which can turn them into crumbs too quickly.
Can I make Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes vegan?
Yes! Swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese or simply leave it off. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan and still packed with flavor.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done roasting?
They should be tender all the way through when pierced with a fork and show some golden-brown edges. Don’t be afraid to let them get a bit crispy for extra flavor!
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
You can chop the sweet potatoes and nuts a day ahead and store them separately. The actual roasting and assembly is quick, so you’ll have a fresh, warm dish in no time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the combination of flavors and textures in Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes. It’s a side dish that feels both special and effortless, and it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try—you really can’t go wrong with a dish this delicious!
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Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Walnut Goat Cheese Roasted Sweet Potatoes is a cozy and flavorful side dish featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with pure maple syrup, topped with toasted walnuts and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for autumn meals or holiday gatherings, this recipe brings a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with a hint of cinnamon and fresh thyme.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Toppings
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon until they are evenly coated.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are tender and golden brown.
- Toast Walnuts: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, place the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the pure maple syrup over them and toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese on top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, try drizzling balsamic glaze over the finished dish before serving.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be served as a festive holiday side.
- Pecans can be used as a substitute for walnuts if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg