This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any complicated steps. Just take your time with cutting and seasoning, and the oven does the rest of the work.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook at the same rate. I aim for bite-sized pieces so they crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.
Place the cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, then toss until every piece is well coated. This step ensures balanced flavor in every bite.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer. Make sure they’re not crowded, as space helps them roast instead of steam.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Halfway through, flip the pieces to ensure even browning. They’re ready when golden and fork-tender.
If using maple syrup, drizzle it over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking. This adds a light glaze and enhances caramelization without burning.