Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and sweet potatoes
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
2. Make the maple glaze
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, pepper, orange juice, and orange zest until thoroughly combined.
3. Coat the sweet potatoes
   Pour the maple glaze over the sweet potatoes and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
4. Roast to perfection
   Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove and carefully stir the potatoes with a spatula. If adding pecans, sprinkle them over the potatoes now. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, with edges turning slightly crispy.
5. Finish with remaining glaze
   If any glaze remains in the bowl, drizzle it over the hot sweet potatoes immediately after removing from the oven. The residual heat will help the glaze adhere and create an even more caramelized coating.
6. Serve warm
   Transfer the maple glazed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. They're best served warm as a delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or as part of a vegetarian feast.