Nothing says holidays like the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes and apples. This recipe is simple to prepare yet bursts with flavor—perfect for a festive family gathering or a cozy night at home. I gave this classic dish a twist by using maple-flavored butter and a touch of agave syrup instead of maple syrup. The result? A subtly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (4 cups, cut into ½” cubes)
• 2 medium apples (about 2 cups, cut into ½” cubes)
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted (I used maple-flavored butter)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 Tablespoons pure agave syrup (or substitute with maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sweet potatoes with half the melted butter, sea salt, and cinnamon. Spread them on a baking sheet in an even layer.
3. Roast for 15 minutes, then add the apples, the rest of the butter, and a drizzle of agave. Toss to combine.
4. Roast for another 10–15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
5. Serve warm and enjoy this perfect balance of sweet and savory!

Why You’ll Love It:
This dish pairs perfectly with everything from roasted Cornish hens to hearty Brussels sprouts. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by swapping the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative.

Sweet Potatoes and Apples: A Cozy Holiday Side Dish

Recipe by Alison J. Ball

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (4 cups, cut into ½” cubes)

• 2 medium apples (about 2 cups, cut into ½” cubes)

• 3 Tablespoons of maple flavor butter

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the sweet potatoes with half the melted butter, sea salt, and cinnamon. Spread them on a baking sheet in an even layer.
• Roast for 15 minutes, then add the apples, the rest of the butter, and a drizzle of agave. Toss to combine.
• Roast for another 10–15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
  Serve warm and enjoy this perfect balance of sweet and savory!

Recipe Video