Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes – The Perfect Fall Side Dish

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the cozy essence of autumn, it’s Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes. This warm, fragrant, and slightly sweet side dish brings together the earthy comfort of roasted sweet potatoes with the irresistible flavors of pumpkin spice. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a fall family dinner, or simply craving seasonal comfort food, this recipe delivers both flavor and nostalgia in every bite.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know — from choosing the best sweet potatoes to perfect roasting techniques, plus variations, storage tips, and nutritional benefits. By the end, you’ll be ready to make the best pumpkin spiced sweet potatoes that are soft on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and infused with cozy spices.

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Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes

Before we get into the step-by-step recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is so well-loved during the fall season:

• Flavorful & Comforting – The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice, making each bite warm and aromatic.
• Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a fuss-free recipe.
• Versatile Side Dish – Works with roasted turkey, glazed ham, pork tenderloin, or even as a topping for salads and grain bowls.
• Naturally Sweet & Wholesome – Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

For the roasted sweet potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or melted butter)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional for garnish:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Dried cranberries
• A sprinkle of sea salt
• A drizzle of extra maple syrup

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures even roasting.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with melted coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Arrange for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and lightly caramelized on the edges.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with pecans, cranberries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added texture and flavor.

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Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes

• Use fresh pumpkin pie spice – If yours has been sitting in the cupboard for years, make a fresh blend for stronger flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting, which means less caramelization.
• Adjust sweetness to taste – For a less sweet dish, reduce the maple syrup; for a dessert-like side, add a little brown sugar before roasting.
• Try roasting with other root vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash pair beautifully with this flavor profile.

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How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice at Home

If you don’t have store-bought pumpkin pie spice, you can quickly make your own blend:

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use in this recipe and other fall favorites like pumpkin bread, pies, or lattes.

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Serving Ideas

Pumpkin spiced sweet potatoes are versatile enough to serve in many ways:

1. Holiday Dinner Side – Pair with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
2. Healthy Grain Bowl Addition – Add to quinoa or farro bowls with spinach, chickpeas, and tahini dressing.
3. Breakfast Twist – Top with Greek yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy morning treat.
4. Salad Upgrade – Toss into a fall salad with arugula, goat cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.

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Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious — they’re also incredibly nutritious:

• Rich in Vitamin A – Supports healthy vision and immune function.
• High in Fiber – Promotes digestion and keeps you fuller for longer.
• Packed with Antioxidants – Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Lower Glycemic Index – Releases energy slowly, avoiding sugar spikes.

With pumpkin spice, you’re also adding cinnamon, ginger, and cloves — all known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store cooled sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze roasted sweet potatoes for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven for the best texture, or microwave in 30-second bursts for quick meals.

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Variations to Try

• Savory Twist: Skip the maple syrup and add rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil.
• Extra Crunch: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or almond slivers before serving.
• Marshmallow Version: For a dessert-style dish, add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-and-spicy kick.

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Common Questions About Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast them a day in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving to bring back the crisp edges.

2. Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional — the skin is edible and contains extra fiber. Just scrub them well if leaving it on.

3. Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin spice?
Canned pumpkin puree won’t give the same spice flavor, but you could mix some into the maple syrup coating for a richer texture.

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Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate fall side dish — easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for both everyday dinners and special holiday feasts. With the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the aromatic warmth of pumpkin pie spice, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Whether you serve them with a savory main course or enjoy them as a cozy snack, these sweet potatoes will fill your home with the delicious scent of autumn and bring smiles to the table.

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