If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress your guests with something cozy yet elegant, the Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe will be your new favorite go-to. These delightful stacks are a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors wrapped in tender slices of sweet potato, all baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a luscious combination of sticky maple syrup, aromatic garlic, and crunchy almonds, making this dish a celebration of comforting textures and rich tastes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple for any meal, whether it’s a dinner party or a simple cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe. The simplicity of the ingredients lets their natural flavors shine, with each element playing an essential role in building the dish’s depth and appeal.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: Make sure to choose firm and evenly sized potatoes for uniform slices and perfect stacking.
- 4 tbsp maple syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup to add that sticky sweetness which perfectly complements the savory notes.
- 40g butter: Butter adds richness and helps the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
- 25g crushed almonds: These bring delightful crunch and a nutty touch that balances the creamy textures.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic introduces a subtle pungency that cuts through the sweetness.
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme: Thyme’s earthy aroma adds complexity and a lovely herbal nuance.
How to Make Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to gas mark 6, or 180 degrees Celsius. This moderate heat ensures your sweet potato stacks will bake evenly to a tender, golden finish with that coveted crispy edge.
Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Next, slice those sweet potatoes widthwise into thin, 0.5 cm rounds. This thickness is just right to cook thoroughly without falling apart, creating perfect layers that hold together beautifully when stacked.
Step 3: Stack the Sweet Potato Slices
Time to build your stacks! Arrange 6 to 7 slices neatly into each section of a muffin tray. This gives you perfectly shaped towers that make serving both elegant and fun.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan or skillet over low to medium heat, melt the butter and stir in fresh thyme sprigs, crushed almonds, and minced garlic. Keep stirring until the butter bubbles and the ingredients release those incredible aromas, infusing the mixture with rich, garlicky, nutty goodness.
Step 5: Drizzle the Maple Butter
Divide the warm butter mixture evenly across each sweet potato tower, drizzling spoonfuls to coat the stacks thoroughly. This sticky maple butter not only adds flavor but also helps create that irresistible caramelized exterior.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tray into your preheated oven and let the stacks bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When they come out, they’ll have a crispy outside and a buttery, tender inside. This texture contrast is exactly what makes the Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe such a memorable dish.
How to Serve Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped roasted almonds on top. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup right before serving creates an extra layer of decadent stickiness that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
These sweet potato stacks are incredibly versatile alongside a range of sides. Pair them with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party centerpiece, plate the stacks on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of thyme and a small bowl of extra almond butter for dipping. You can even serve individual stacks on mini plates with a side salad for a charming appetizer experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they might not last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for texture, as the sweet potatoes may become a bit watery. If you want to freeze, wrap each stack tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stacks in the oven at 160 degrees Celsius for about 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them mushy and take away from the delightful textures.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You can, but the natural sweetness and soft texture of sweet potatoes are key to this recipe’s flavor balance. Regular potatoes will change the dynamic, making the dish less sweet and sticky.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup as is. Just ensure the non-dairy butter you choose melts well with the garlic and almonds for that luscious coating.
How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Slicing at about 0.5 cm thick allows the slices to cook through evenly while holding together when stacked. Too thin and they might fall apart; too thick and they may not cook fully inside.
Can I prepare the maple butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the maple butter mixture ahead and gently reheat it before drizzling over the stacks. Just keep it covered and refrigerated, and warm it slowly to maintain the flavors.
What can I substitute for almonds if allergic?
Pecans or walnuts are great substitutes since they offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor. If nuts are off-limits, consider toasted breadcrumbs for texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe enough if you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. It’s simple to whip up, packed with layers of flavor, and sure to bring smiles to your table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, these stacks will quickly become an absolute favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks with Garlic & Almond Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Sticky Maple Sweet Potato Stacks infused with fragrant garlic and crunchy almond butter. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered, drizzled with a fragrant maple syrup and buttery garlic-almond mixture, then baked to create a deliciously sticky, buttery, and crisp-tender side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
Maple Butter Mixture
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 40g butter
- 25g crushed almonds
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to gas mark 6 / 180 degrees Celsius (350°F) to prepare for baking the sweet potato stacks.
- Slice sweet potatoes: Slice the sweet potatoes widthways into thin 0.5 cm slices, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Stack sweet potatoes: Arrange 6-7 slices of sweet potato into each cup of a muffin tray to create layered stacks.
- Make maple butter mixture: In a saucepan or skillet over low to medium heat, combine butter, fresh thyme, crushed almonds, and minced garlic. Stir continuously until the butter melts and begins to bubble, infusing flavors.
- Drizzle maple butter mixture: Add the maple syrup to the butter mixture, then evenly drizzle spoonfuls of this sticky, fragrant mixture over each sweet potato stack.
- Bake: Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the outside edges of the stacks are crispy and the inside is tender and buttery.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the stacks for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or sage for a different herb flavor profile.
- Make sure sweet potato slices are thin and even to ensure even cooking and layering.
- These stacks can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
