Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato with Creamy Feta, Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Glaze

Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato with Creamy Feta, Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Glaze is a beautifully balanced dish combining tender maple-roasted sweet potatoes, creamy whipped feta, crunchy candied walnuts, and a glossy cranberry glaze. Sweet, savoury, creamy, and slightly tangy, it makes a colourful side dish or a satisfying vegetarian addition to the table.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges or thick rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Feta

• 1 cup (150 g) feta cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 g) Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of black pepper

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1½ tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Cranberry Glaze

• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp orange juice or water
• Pinch of salt

For Finishing

• Fresh thyme or parsley
• Extra crushed walnuts, optional
• Lemon zest, optional

How to Make Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato with Creamy Feta

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Season the Sweet Potatoes

Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.

3. Roast Until Caramelised

Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer, leaving a little space between the pieces. Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and golden with caramelised edges.

4. Make the Creamy Feta

Add the feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Make the Candied Walnuts

Place the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt.

Stir continuously for another 1–2 minutes, until the walnuts become glossy and lightly caramelised. Transfer them to parchment paper and allow them to cool.

6. Make the Cranberry Glaze

Combine the cranberry sauce, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, orange juice or water, and salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth and glossy.

7. Assemble

Spread the creamy feta generously over a serving platter. Arrange the warm maple-roasted sweet potatoes over the feta.

8. Add the Walnuts

Scatter the candied walnuts generously over the roasted sweet potatoes and creamy feta.

9. Drizzle with Cranberry

Spoon the warm cranberry glaze over everything, allowing it to run between the sweet potato pieces and across the creamy feta.

10. Garnish & Serve

Finish with fresh thyme or parsley and a little lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Recipe

This recipe brings together several contrasting flavours and textures in one beautiful dish. The sweet potatoes become tender and caramelised in the oven, while maple syrup and cinnamon add a subtle sweetness balanced by smoky paprika and black pepper.

The creamy feta adds a savoury, tangy element, while the candied walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. A warm cranberry glaze ties everything together with a glossy sweet-tart finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cut the sweet potatoes evenly: Similar-sized wedges or rounds will cook more consistently.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the sweet potatoes enough space to roast and caramelise properly.
• Watch the walnuts closely: Maple syrup can caramelise quickly, so stir continuously during the final minutes.
• Blend the feta until smooth: This creates a creamy base that is easy to spread across the serving platter.
• Add the glaze just before serving: This keeps the roasted sweet potatoes and walnuts at their best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the maple-roasted sweet potatoes warm as a colourful side dish or vegetarian addition to a larger meal. The combination of creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and cranberry glaze also makes the dish especially appealing for seasonal gatherings and festive dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potato wedges instead of rounds?

Yes. The recipe is designed for either wedges or thick rounds. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they roast evenly.

Can I prepare the creamy feta ahead of time?

Yes. The feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper can be blended ahead and kept ready for assembling the dish.

Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead?

Yes. Prepare the glaze ahead and gently warm it before drizzling over the finished sweet potatoes.

How do I keep the candied walnuts crunchy?

After caramelising them, transfer the walnuts to parchment paper and allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the dish.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	40 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes
Servings	4
Calories	Approx. 445 per serving
Protein	Approx. 10g per serving

Final Thoughts

Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato with Creamy Feta, Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Glaze is an easy way to turn simple sweet potatoes into an impressive centrepiece. With caramelised edges, smooth feta, crunchy maple walnuts, and a bright cranberry finish, every element adds something different while keeping the recipe simple enough to make at home.

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