Maple recipes collage featuring glazed ham, parsnip soup, baked brie and maple roasted sweet potatoes

Sweet and savoury ways to cook with maple syrup

It's time to move beyond the pancakes.

Maple syrup holds a special place in the Canadian kitchen – but its potential goes far beyond the breakfast table.

While it will always be the star of weekend waffles and pancakes, the rich, complex flavour of pure maple syrup makes it just as compelling in savoury cooking. With notes of caramel, berries and wood, Maple from Canada products pair beautifully with salty, umami-driven dishes, adding depth and balance in unexpected ways.

It’s time to think beyond the waffle barrier. From maple water and maple sugar to maple flakes and spirits, there are countless ways to incorporate this iconic ingredient into everyday cooking. Use maple flakes as a finishing touch for roasted meats or desserts, or swap in granulated maple sugar to elevate everything from oatmeal to ice cream.

Whether you’re poaching halibut in maple water, dressing salmon tartare with citrus and maple sugar, tossing grilled asparagus with herbs and amber maple syrup, or basting a roast ham with orange juice, black pepper and robust dark maple syrup, the possibilities for cooking with 100% pure maple are endless – no matter the time of day.

Savoury Maple Recipes to Try

Maple Glazed Ham

Maple glazed ham with caramelized crust served with baby potatoes on wooden board

A rich maple syrup glaze adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the savoury flavour of the roast. As it cooks, the maple caramelizes into a glossy finish, creating a deeply flavourful, classic centrepiece.

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Matty Matheson’s Maple Parsnip Soup with Sunchoke Chips

Matty Matheson’s Caramelized Maple Parsnip Soup in a white bowl, topped with golden crispy sunchoke chips, a dollop of ricotta, and a drizzle of maple syrup, garnished with lemon zest and fresh herbs.
Photography, Quentin Bacon

In this comforting soup from celebrity chef Matty Matheson, maple syrup is used to caramelize parsnips, which intensifies their natural sweetness. The maple creates a rich, slightly smoky base that balances the earthy vegetables beautifully.

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Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pesto

A tray with sweet potatoes topped with pesto resting on green plabts
Photography, Al Douglas

Maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes while adding a glossy, caramelized finish. Paired with herbaceous pesto, it creates a contrast of sweet, savoury and fresh flavours.

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Maple Glazed Tandoori Salmon

cooked salmon on a plate
Maple syrup softens the spice of the tandoori marinade, adding a subtle sweetness that balances heat and acidity. As the salmon cooks, it forms a lightly caramelized glaze that enhances both texture and flavour.

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Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Maple Syrup

Baked brie topped with dried cranberries, pecans and maple syrup
Photography, Bruce Gibson

Maple syrup enhances the tartness of cranberries while tying together the richness of baked brie and toasted pecans. The result is a warm, balanced appetizer where sweet and savoury flavours come together effortlessly.

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For those with a sweet tooth, maple syrup shines just as brightly in desserts – from baked goods to elegant finishes like our Brûléed Sugar Pie Mousse – making it a true all-purpose ingredient in the kitchen.

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