Begin by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. Then, slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring even pieces for uniform cooking.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully heat while preparing the seasonings.

In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter, then add cinnamon, salt, paprika, and a pinch of pepper. Whisk until well combined. Toss the sweet potato slices in this mixture.

Transfer the seasoned sweet potato slices onto a non-stick baking tray, arranging them in a single layer.

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for tenderness.

In a medium bowl, mix together maple syrup, chopped pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and fresh thyme for the topping.

Carefully remove the tray from the oven and drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the maple mixture over each sweet potato slice.

Return the baking tray to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Once out of the oven, let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving.