Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne (if using), brown sugar (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.
Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the spiced sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out in an even layer to ensure they bake evenly.
Add Pecans and Cranberries: Sprinkle the chopped pecans and dried cranberries over the sweet potatoes for an added crunch and sweetness.
Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
Final Touches: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Drizzle with vanilla extract and give it a gentle toss to combine all the flavors.
Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm as a delightful side dish for your autumn gatherings or a holiday feast.
Notes
Optional cayenne pepper for heat; garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.