Honey-Bourbon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples with Pecans
A warming autumn side dish that combines tender roasted sweet potatoes and Golden Delicious apples in a rich honey-bourbon glaze with warm spices. The sweet potatoes are pre-baked until almost tender, then layered with apple wedges and bathed in a glossy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, butter, and bourbon. Pecans are sprinkled on top during the final roasting for added crunch. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or any fall gathering where you want something special alongside roasted meats. The bourbon adds depth without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the vegetables and fruit.
Ingredients
- 5 large sweet potatoes (about 5 lb)
- 3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cut into 1/3-inch wedgesHoneycrisp or Gala1:1texture preference
similar sweetness and texture when roasted
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅝ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅝ cup coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 400°F and prick sweet potatoes with fork, then place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake until almost tender, about 1 hour
- 2
Cool sweet potatoes, then peel and cut into wedges
- 3
Spray baking dish with cooking spray and toss apples with lemon juice in medium bowl
- 4
Arrange potatoes and apples in alternating layers in baking dish and pour lemon juice over top
- 5
Combine brown sugar, honey, butter, bourbon, cinnamon, salt and ginger in saucepan and heat to boiling, stirring occasionally
- 6
Boil glaze until slightly thickened and pour over potatoes and apples
- 7
Roast uncovered, then brush with glaze from bottom of dish and sprinkle pecans over top
- 8
Continue roasting until apples are golden brown and tender
Tips
Pre-baking the sweet potatoes ensures they're perfectly tender and won't be undercooked when the apples are done roasting.
Brush the vegetables with the glaze that collects in the bottom of the dish to build up layers of flavor and achieve a beautiful glossy finish.
Add the pecans only in the final 15 minutes to prevent them from burning while still allowing them to toast lightly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead without pecans. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before final roasting.
Serve hot as a side dish. Pairs excellently with roasted turkey, pork, or ham.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip pre-baking the sweet potatoes or they'll be tough when the apples are done
Add pecans only in the final 15 minutes to prevent burning
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar sweetness and texture when roasted
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, substitute the bourbon with apple juice or apple cider for similar sweetness without the alcohol complexity.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use different types of apples?
Honeycrisp, Gala, or other firm baking apples work well as substitutes for Golden Delicious.