Description
This easy oven-roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pecans recipe is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients. The smoky paprika, fresh thyme, and toasted pecans enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while dried cranberries add a touch of tartness. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Optional Dressing:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
3. Season the Vegetables
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potatoes and broccoli with:
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and black pepper
4. Roast the Vegetables
- Spread the seasoned vegetables on a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness at 20 minutes—the edges should be crisp and golden.
5. Toast the Pecans
- While the vegetables roast, spread pecan halves on a separate small baking sheet.
- Toast in the oven for 5–10 minutes until fragrant.
- Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Assemble the Dish
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a serving bowl.
- Add toasted pecans and dried cranberries.
- Toss gently to combine.
7. Optional Maple-Lime Dressing
- For a holiday-inspired touch, whisk together:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Drizzle over the vegetables before serving.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Roasting Tips:
- Cut vegetables evenly for even cooking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Spread out vegetables to avoid overcrowding, ensuring crispiness.
Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes for the best texture.
- Avoid freezing as broccoli may become mushy.
Variations:
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese.
- Change up the nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead of pecans.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Sweeten it up: Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze instead of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg