Let me introduce you to your new favorite side dish: Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes! Sweet, spicy, and gloriously caramelized, these beauties are everything you want from a vegetable—comforting yet tantalizingly bold, with flavors that are both familiar and exciting. Perfect for holidays or an everyday treat, this recipe makes sweet potatoes positively irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet Meets Spicy: The maple syrup and chili powder glaze transforms every bite into a perfect blend of cozy sweetness and gentle heat.
- Beautifully Caramelized Texture: The outer layer gets crisp and golden, while the inside remains meltingly tender—addictively good!
- Effortless for Any Occasion: The Instant Pot or oven instructions make Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes stress-free for weeknights or special gatherings alike.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: This dish doubles easily and pairs with virtually any entrée, making it a go-to favorite for potlucks and family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There are only a handful of ingredients here, but each one plays a starring role! The sweet potatoes hold everything together, while the maple-chili glaze brings out a magical mix of flavors and that signature caramelized finish.
- Sweet Potatoes (3 medium, about 300-350g each): Choose ones that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Their natural sweetness is the canvas for all the bold flavors.
- Olive Oil (2.5 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the glaze adhere while encouraging a crispy finish in the skillet or oven.
- Maple Syrup (3 tablespoons): Gives these sweet potatoes their signature sweetness and glossy, sticky coat. Pure maple syrup is best for that deep flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): This spice brings a subtle smokiness that adds warmth and makes the glaze pop.
- Red Chili Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For gentle heat that balances the sweetness—adjust up or down according to your spice preference!
- Salt (1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon): A touch brings all the flavors into perfect harmony and highlights both the sweet and savory notes.
Variations
What’s not to love about a recipe that’s this flexible? Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic base for creativity—swap out spices, tweak the sweetener, or add crunch to make the dish entirely your own!
- Use Honey Instead of Maple: If you’re out of pure maple syrup, honey will bring its own floral notes for a delicious twist.
- Add Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped candied pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and indulgent flavor.
- Make It Totally Vegan: Stick with maple syrup and olive oil, and double-check your chili powder to be sure it’s vegan-friendly.
- Adjust the Heat: Love a little fire? Add cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Dial back the chili powder even further.
How to Make Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Steam the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by pouring one cup of water into your Instant Pot and placing a tall trivet inside. Gently set your whole sweet potatoes on top. Secure the lid, select high pressure, and set the timer for 12 minutes—this keeps the potatoes firm enough to slice beautifully later.
Step 2: Natural Pressure Release and Cool
Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This extra step lets the sweet potatoes finish cooking and makes them easy to handle. Carefully remove the potatoes with tongs, give them a few minutes to cool, then gently peel off the skins.
Step 3: Slice and Prepare the Maple Chili Glaze
Once cooled, slice your sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds—thick enough to maintain their shape. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt until the glaze is silky smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Caramelize in the Skillet
Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet (or a nonstick pan) over medium. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer, using two pans if needed. Pour the maple chili glaze evenly over the slices, then let them sizzle! Cook 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden and caramelized all over.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the caramelized Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes to a platter and get ready for oohs and aahs! These are fantastic as a side dish, but I won’t judge if you sneak a few pieces straight from the skillet.
Pro Tips for Making Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes
- Skillet Sizzle: For the crispiest caramelized edges, let your skillet get nice and hot before adding the potatoes and glaze—don’t rush this step!
- Cut Consistency: Try to slice your sweet potatoes as evenly as possible—uniform slices caramelize at the same rate and look gorgeous on the plate.
- Extra Glaze, Extra Flavor: If you like your sweet potatoes super saucy, double the glaze and brush a bit more on just before serving.
- Oven Shortcut: Prefer a hands-off approach? Coat your slices in glaze and roast on a parchment-lined tray at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, then broil to finish for incredible caramelization with minimal fuss.
How to Serve Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle your Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes with a handful of candied pecans, chopped toasted walnuts, or some thinly sliced green onions. A touch of flaky sea salt or fresh parsley can add color and contrast, taking the presentation to the next level.
Side Dishes
These sweet potatoes are right at home alongside roast chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty veggie main. For a holiday vibe, pair them with classic stuffing, sautéed greens, and a crisp green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the glazed rounds in a spiral on a large platter for a rustic-chic look, or stack them in “towers” for an elevated dinner-party feel. For a casual setting, tuck them inside grain bowls or even layer them on toast for a brunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’ll hold their flavor and texture surprisingly well, making them a fabulous make-ahead option for your weekly meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these, arrange the cooled, glazed sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thawed sweet potatoes may be a little softer, but the flavor remains incredible!
Reheating
To bring back that signature caramelized magic, reheat your sweet potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, or pop them in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully and taste just as amazing as when first made.
FAQs
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Can I make Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Simply peel and slice the sweet potatoes, coat them in the glaze, and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. Broil at the end for an extra caramelized finish—the results are fabulous either way.
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Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
Not at all! The chili heat is subtle, especially once baked, but feel free to reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder version suitable for the whole family.
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Can I prep Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes—steam, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply glaze and caramelize right before eating for best results.
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What can I use instead of maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave nectar. Each brings its own unique taste to the glaze, so choose whichever you love or have on hand!
Final Thoughts
These Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and spicy that could easily steal the spotlight at your table. Whether you’re looking for a showstopping side or a cozy weekday treat, I promise you—these are worth every caramelized bite. Give them a try and let them charm everyone at your next meal!
PrintMaple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cook, Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors, with a caramelized exterior that adds a wonderful crunch. Perfect as a side dish or even as a dessert!
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, around 300-350 grams each, 2 inches wide, 7-8 inches long
Glaze:
- 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, place a trivet inside, and place the sweet potatoes on top. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: Mix olive oil, maple syrup, paprika, chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Caramelize Sweet Potatoes: Sauté cooked sweet potatoes in a skillet with the glaze until caramelized on both sides.
- Serve: Enjoy the maple chili glazed sweet potatoes as a side dish or dessert!
Notes
- Adjust pressure cooking time based on the size of sweet potatoes.
- Try garnishing with candied pecans for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg