There is something truly comforting and festive about this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe. Sweet potatoes are transformed into tender, caramelized gems draped in a luscious, spiced glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight side dish, these candied sweet potatoes bring a touch of cozy magic to the table that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each component plays an essential role in crafting the perfect flavor, texture, and appearance. From the creamy richness of butter to the aromatic spices, every element works together to elevate the sweet potatoes to something truly special.
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced: Choose firm, bright-colored sweet potatoes for the best texture and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds a rich creaminess that melds all the flavors and creates the luscious glaze.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Provides deep molasses notes and moisture to the caramelization process.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness while helping the glaze crisp up beautifully.
- 1/4 cup water: Creates the perfect syrup consistency when combined with the sugars.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a classic spice flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance sweetness and bring out the natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a sweet, fragrant complexity.
- Pinch ground cloves or ginger (optional): Provides an optional spicy kick for extra depth and warmth.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures that the sweet potatoes won’t stick and that cleanup will be a breeze after the deliciousness is gone.
Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, keeping them consistent so they cook evenly. Arrange these lovely slices neatly in the baking dish, creating a cozy bed ready to be bathed in sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently. Then stir in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, along with water, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and any optional spices you love. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble – this signals that your glaze is coming together beautifully.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. This addition brings a fragrant and inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen and make the dish irresistibly tasty.
Step 5: Pour the Glaze Over Sweet Potatoes
Pour the warm, aromatic glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every slice is touched by the syrupy goodness; this will help the sweet potatoes absorb all that wonderful flavor as they bake.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften perfectly while soaking up the glaze. This step ensures the interior is tender without drying out the exterior.
Step 7: Uncover and Caramelize
Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, baste the sweet potatoes once or twice with the pan juices to build up a thick, golden caramelized coating. This is where the magic happens, turning simple sweet potatoes into an irresistible side dish.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set perfectly. This short wait will elevate your presentation and give you a moment to catch your breath before enjoying every sweet, spiced bite.
How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the presentation and adds texture contrast. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkle on top beautifully, lending crunch and nutty richness. A handful of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of cinnamon can add color and aroma appeal, turning this classic dish into a centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Candied sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with savory and hearty mains. Think roast turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken, where the sweetness balances savory flavors. For a vegetarian meal, try serving alongside a robust salad or hearty grain bowls for a cozy, well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving candied sweet potatoes in small ramekins or individual foil cups, making portion control easy and elegant. Alternatively, layering the potatoes like a gratin in a clear casserole dish shows off their vibrant color and glossy glaze to wow your guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover candied sweet potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them a perfect dish to prepare ahead or enjoy as quick comfort food later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. They maintain great flavor and texture for up to 2 months when wrapped well to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sweet potatoes gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through, basting occasionally with pan juices to restore glaze shine. Microwaving works for quick servings but can soften the glazed surface slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if fresh are unavailable. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before proceeding to prevent excess moisture from thinning the glaze.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar?
You can substitute dark brown sugar or even white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar depth of flavor, though the final taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended to achieve a smooth, tender bite and to let the glaze cling evenly without interference from the skin’s texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil and ensure your sugars are vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this an easy adaptation.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of adding the glaze, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add glaze and bake fresh to keep the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple to make, insanely tasty, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try the next time you want to impress without stress—it’s pure comfort and elegance in every bite.
Print
Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes feature tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals, delivering sweet, caramelized flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch ground cloves or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds, ensuring thickness is consistent for even cooking. Arrange the slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and the optional spices. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and is well combined.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the glaze with flavor.
- Pour Glaze over Sweet Potatoes: Evenly pour the warm glaze over the arranged sweet potato slices, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This step allows the sweet potatoes to soften and absorb the glaze.
- Bake Uncovered and Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Baste the sweet potatoes once or twice during this time to thicken and caramelize the glaze until it is bubbly and glossy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let the candied sweet potatoes rest for 10 minutes to set the glaze before serving.
Notes
- For uniform cooking, slice sweet potatoes evenly between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
- Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps potatoes cook through without drying out.
- Optional spices like ground cloves or ginger add a warm depth to the glaze.
- Basting the sweet potatoes during the final baking stage enhances caramelization and flavor.
- Letting the dish rest helps the glaze thicken and improves presentation.
