Candied Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, beloved for their luscious, syrupy glaze and warm spices that turn humble sweet potatoes into a decadent treat. This recipe is the kind of dish you crave at every holiday table, but don’t be surprised if it steals the show on an ordinary weeknight, too! Gorgeous caramelization, fragrant cinnamon, and a buttery, brown sugar sauce create fork-tender slices that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving a festive crowd or indulging in a cozy dinner at home, candied sweet potatoes bring nostalgic charm and mouthwatering flavor to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this candied sweet potatoes recipe is simple yet essential, working together to bring out epic flavor, tender texture, and a lovely golden glaze. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love it:
- Sweet potatoes: Look for large, firm sweet potatoes for consistent slicing and that naturally sweet, creamy base.
- Unsalted butter: The key to rich flavor and a silky glaze, plus it helps those potatoes caramelize beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar deepens the sweetness and creates that classic sticky syrup.
- Maple syrup: For depth and a hint of earthy, smokey flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and classic holiday aroma to every bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends a subtle nutty spice that balances the sweetness nicely.
- Salt: Just enough to sharpen flavors and prevent the dish from tasting flat.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with mellow, fragrant sweetness.
- Water: Helps create the perfect syrup consistency to coat every slice.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup easier later. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds; uniform slices mean they all cook at the same rate, so nobody’s left with tough or mushy bits.
Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes
Layer those beautiful sweet potato rounds in your prepared baking dish, spreading them into a single, even layer. This step is as much about presentation as it is about ensuring every piece soaks up the lovely syrup you’ll be pouring on top.
Step 3: Make the Glorious Syrup
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s silky. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water—your kitchen will start to smell heavenly! Cook this mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is smoothly combined and gently simmering. Finally, take the pan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract for that unmistakable sweet aroma.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the hot syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat as much as possible for maximum flavor. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 30 minutes; this lets the potatoes become lovely and tender.
Step 5: Uncover for Caramelization
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the pan to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, basting the sweet potatoes occasionally with the bubbling syrup, until they’re irresistibly caramelized and fork-tender. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the syrup to thicken before serving—this makes each bite wonderfully sticky and satisfying.
How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
The crowning touch for any batch of candied sweet potatoes is a thoughtful garnish. Try a scatter of chopped pecans before baking for crunch and toasty flavor, or sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon just before serving. For a fresh contrast, toss on a handful of orange zest or a shower of fresh parsley right before the dish hits the table.
Side Dishes
Candied sweet potatoes absolutely shine beside savory mains! Serve alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a juicy pork loin for the ultimate pairing of sweet and savory. Don’t forget classic green sides like sautéed green beans, garlicky broccoli, or a crisp salad to balance out the sweetness and bring color to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try arranging the sweet potato slices in spirals for an eye-catching look. You can also serve individual portions in ramekins for elegant dinner parties or let the dish cool and cut the rounds into bite-sized treats for a holiday appetizer spread. With their shiny glaze and brilliant orange hue, candied sweet potatoes are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover candied sweet potatoes can be cooled to room temperature, then transferred into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay delicious for up to four days—perfect for meal prepping or late-night snacking!
Freezing
Candied sweet potatoes actually freeze wonderfully. Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy them again, maintaining most of their wonderful texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat candied sweet potatoes in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—usually 15–20 minutes. You can also quickly microwave individual servings, though the oven keeps the glaze thick and the potatoes firmer.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey is a lovely substitute and gives its own distinct floral sweetness to candied sweet potatoes. The final dish will taste slightly different, but still utterly delicious and syrupy.
Are candied sweet potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, so it’s a great choice if you or your guests are avoiding gluten—just double-check your vanilla extract if you have sensitivities.
What’s the best way to slice sweet potatoes?
For this dish, slice sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds using a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer. Even slices make for even cooking and a gorgeous presentation.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can! Assemble the sweet potatoes and syrup in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, bring the dish to room temperature before baking as directed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try a splash of orange juice in the syrup mixture for citrusy brightness or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for nutty crunch. You can also experiment with more spices—think allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dish that brings together sweet comfort and festive delight, you owe it to yourself to try making candied sweet potatoes at home. They’re easy, beautiful, and guaranteed to win over anyone lucky enough to snag a bite—so don’t be surprised if they become the most requested side at your table!
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Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Tender sweet potatoes are baked in a rich, sweet syrup until caramelized and delicious.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Arrange sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
- Make syrup: In a saucepan, melt butter, add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in vanilla.
- Coat sweet potatoes: Pour syrup over sweet potatoes. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Sprinkle chopped pecans for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
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