Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds 🍁 – 20-Minute Vegan Thanksgiving Side for Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
Caramelized, maple-kissed sweet potato rounds for a quick, vibrant Thanksgiving side.
These Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds are a game-changer for Thanksgiving! In just 20 minutes, you can transform humble sweet potatoes into tender, caramelized bites with a sticky, smoky maple glaze. The best part? They’re vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fall flair. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want to elevate your weekday dinner, these rounds add a warm, golden hue and a burst of complex flavor to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato (about 500g), washed and patted dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika for a milder flavor)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Peel and slice the sweet potato
Using a sharp knife, peel the sweet potato and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them in a large bowl.
- Prepare the spice blend
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sweet potato rounds and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange on baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the sweet potato rounds in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows even baking and caramelization.
- Bake until golden
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges begin to crisp and the centers stay tender.
- Brush on the maple glaze
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and immediately brush the maple syrup evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and sticky. Keep a close eye on them—they’ll go from perfect to overdone quickly!
- Let cool slightly
Allow the sweet potatoes to rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the glaze set slightly.
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds
20-Minute Crowd-Pleasing Vegan Side
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 large sweet potato (about 500g), washed and patted dry
- - 2 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 tsp ground cumin
- - ½ tsp smoked paprika
- - ¼ cup pure maple syrup
👨🍳 Instructions
Peel and slice sweet potato: Use a sharp knife to peel a large sweet potato and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them in a large bowl.
💡 Slicing evenly ensures consistent baking and golden edges.
Prepare the spice blend: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the sweet potato slices in this mixture until evenly coated.
💡 Don’t skip the spices—they add smoky depth that complements the maple glaze perfectly.
Arrange on baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the sweet potato slices in a single layer. Overlapping will lead to steaming, not roasting.
💡 Use a second baking sheet if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Bake the sweet potato: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 10 minutes, or until just tender. Don’t skip the initial baking—it’s crucial for developing texture before adding the glaze.
💡 The edges will brown, but the centers should still be soft.
Apply the maple glaze: Brush the hot sweet potatoes with maple syrup and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely for the glaze to bubble and firm—it’s easy to overbake!
💡 If the glaze is too runny, reduce oven temperature to 375°F for the finish.
Let rest and serve: Allow the sweet potatoes to sit for 2-3 minutes to set the glaze before serving. Serve warm alongside your main dish.
💡 These are best served fresh but hold up well if made in advance.
Nutrition (per serving approx.):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sweet Potato
The star of this dish! Use russet or orange-flesh sweet potatoes for the best balance of sweetness and moisture. Smaller, individual rounds crisp better than large, thick slices.
Substitution: If using purple sweet potatoes, the color will be more vibrant, but the flavor profile remains similar.
Maple Syrup
Provides natural sweetness and a sticky, glossy finish. For a deeper flavor, reduce the syrup slightly in a saucepan before brushing—it creates a thicker, more intense glaze.
Substitution: For non-vegan versions, use a maple-butter glaze. For a less sweet version, mix 1 tbsp maple syrup with 1 tbsp molasses.
Smoked Paprika
Adds a subtle, earthy smokiness that enhances the maple without overpowering. Regular paprika works if you don’t have the smoked variety.
Substitution: Try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a teaspoon of turmeric for golden color and mild earthiness.
Olive Oil
Helps the spices adhere and the glaze stick. It also adds a fruity note that complements the sweetness of the tubers.
Substitution: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil offer similar results with a neutral flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds
🧽 Make Ahead Prep
Slice and toss sweet potatoes up to 8 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Pat dry before baking to retain crispiness.
🔥 Perfect Timing
Start the glaze application immediately after the 10-minute bake—the residual heat ensures even caramelization without making the glaze too soft.
🔄 Double Up
Use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning. Rotate the rack halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
👀 Don’t Miss the Glaze
The quick second bake after glazing is key to getting that sticky, glossy finish. Don’t skip it—even if it means watching every second!
Variations to Customize the Dish
Cinnamon Maple Twist
Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon to the spice mixture for a sweeter, spicier profile. This works especially well if serving with apple-based mains or desserts.
Spicy Version
Replace paprika with ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. Balance with a splash of lime juice after baking for a tangy contrast.
Herb-Infused Glaze
Mix maple syrup with 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or rosemary before brushing. The herbs add an aromatic layer that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
Savory Side
Skip the glaze entirely and brush with olive oil plus black salt (kala namak) for an umami-rich side. This version is ideal for carnivorous feasts.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings (CTL: Complete The Look)
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Glazed Turkey or Herb-Roasted Chicken: The maple sweetness balances the richness of meat perfectly.
- Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: The tangy, bitter notes contrast and elevate the sweet potatoes.
- Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf: Adds a nutty texture that complements the tender sweet potato.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or a smoky apple cider. Both drinks mirror the maple-paprika flavor profile while adding refreshing contrast.
🍰 Dessert to Complete the Meal:
Finish with Pumpkin Pie topped with Maple Whipped Cream. The shared flavors create a cohesive, autumnal theme.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can pre-slice and toss the sweet potatoes 4-8 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. If making the glaze early, keep it separately to avoid sogginess.
Refrigerator Storage
Leftovers (un-glazed sweet potato rounds only) last up to 4 days in a sealed container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked (unglazed) rounds for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. The glaze should be applied fresh for optimal texture.
Reheating Instructions
Avoid microwaving—if you must, spread in a thin layer and heat in 30-second intervals to soften without overcooking. Otherwise, use an oven toaster to preserve flavor.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My glaze looks runny—can I fix it?
A: Return the baking sheet to the oven at 375°F for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning—maple caramelizes fast at high heat.
Q: Is there a way to make this extra crispy?
A: Pat the sweet potato slices extremely dry after slicing. You can also dehydrate them in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes before baking with oil. This pre-treatment enhances crispiness.
Q: Can I add cheese or nuts for more texture?
A: For a creamy twist, sprinkle vegan cheddar cheese during the glazing step. Toasted pecans or walnuts can be added for crunch—but they may speed up the browning process. Add just before the final 2 minutes.
Q: My potato rounds didn’t cook all the way in 10 minutes—what went wrong?
A: Check slice thickness—¼ inch is ideal. If your oven runs cooler, lower the rack position so the sweet potatoes are closer to the heating element.
Final Thoughts
From the first caramelized edge to the sugary, smoky glaze, these Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds are a holiday masterpiece. They require no special equipment, minimal effort, and deliver maximum impact. The best part? You’ll be saving time and space on your oven for other dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a large feast or simplifying your holiday routine, this recipe is a must-pin. It’s the kind of side that guests will ask for the recipe by name and come back to try different variations. Give it a try this season—it’s sure to steal the spotlight without stealing your time!
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Nora Blaine
Nov 17, 2025
Made Thursday and kitchen filled with maple scent as rounds baked. Gave crunch made guests grin, olive, maple syrup and sea salt on bite. Tried smoked paprika pinch. Four stars because glazed, crowd ate it, i plan to make this often, the round keeps its caramel edge still just truly ever after cooling.
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