Okay, friends, gather ’round! I’m about to share a recipe that’s been cherished in my family for years – my Candied Sweet Potatoes. What are some comfort food recipes that just scream “comfort food”? Think of it like sweet potato casserole, but without all the fuss. What are candied sweet potatoes with? Is it okay to be cloying? Is it true that they’re soft, tender, and addictive? Honestly, you might find yourself sneaking them straight from the pan (guilty!).

What is a candied sweet potato?

What is candied sweet potatoes? What is a sweet potato cooked in sugar-based glaze? until they become tender and, well, candied! What are some ways to cook a chicken on the stovetop? What’s the secret of a beautiful, glossy coating that forms as potatoes cook, soaking up all that moisture. Sweet, buttery goodness. Is it a classic Southern dish that’s perfect as side dish? Is there any shame in eating dessert? What are some of the best ways to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy sweets?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, but let me highlight a few. First, the flavor is just incredible. You have the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, balanced with the richness of butter and brown sugar, plus a hint of cinnamon that just warms everything up. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, you just slice the potatoes, toss them in the glaze, and bake. No complicated steps or fancy techniques required. What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. Sweet potatoes are generally inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a winner! This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. You can serve it as a side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, or even as a dessert. I’ve even been known to add a sprinkle of pecans or walnuts for a little extra crunch. If you like sweet potato casserole, but want something a little simpler and less processed, you’re going to absolutely love this! It’s my go-to recipe when I want something sweet and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

How do I make candied sweet potatoes?

Quick Overview

How do I make candied sweet potatoes? What are some ways to make a sweet potato glaze? What’s the best way to bake a potato until it is tender and caramelized? What is the best thing about it? No fancy equipment or fancy techniques. What is a dump-and-bake recipe? I am preparing a big holiday feast.

Ingredients

For the Main Event:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 12-inch thick rounds. How do I get sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly?
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted. I always use real butter for the best flavor; the flavor is worth it.
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is a good substitute for molasses.
• 14 cup water. Just a little bit to help the sauce come together.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adds that warm, cozy flavor.
• 14 teaspoon ground nutmeg. A little goes a long way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First thing first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a little butter or cooking spray to make sure the sweet potatoes don’t stick. What is the best way to clean up after a car accident? Make sure your pan is big enough so that you can lay all of the potatoes in a single layer.

Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 12-inch thick rounds. Try to slice them as evenly as possible, so they cook at the same rate. If some slices are thicker than others, they might not be as tender. I find it easiest to use a sharp knife, but you can also use mandoline if you have one.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved, so you don’t get any gritty bits in your finished product. How does melted butter spread spices evenly?

Step 4: Combine & Coat

Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the bowl with the glaze, and toss gently to coat them evenly. How do you make sure every slice is covered in that delicious mixture? I like to use my hands to make sure the potatoes are fully coated. Don’t be afraid to get messy!

Step 5: Bake

Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining glaze over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The glaze should be thick and bubbly. I always check on them halfway through baking to make sure they’re not browning too quickly. If they are, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.

Step 6: Serve

Let the Candied Sweet Potatoes cool slightly before serving. This allows the glaze to thicken up a bit. Serve warm and enjoy! I promise, they’ll be gone in minutes!

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best candied sweet potatoes recipes? Can you serve it with so many different things, depending on the occasion?

For Thanksgiving: What areWhat is a good holiday meal to serve with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce?

For Christmas: Pair it with ham, roasted vegetables, and a festive salad.

What’s a good weeknight dinner? Serve it with grilled chicken or pork chops for a simple and satisfying meal.

For Dessert: Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet treat. My family has a tradition of serving these sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of toasted pecans on Christmas morning. They’re the perfect cozy treat to enjoy while opening presents!

What are some tips for perfecting sweet potatoes?

Want to take your Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Slice Evenly:How do I slice sweet potatoes evenly? Uneven slices can lead to some potatoes being undercooked while others are overcooked.

Don’t overcrowd the pan!How do you arrange sweet potato slices in a baking dish? If they are too crowded, they’ll steam instead of caramelizing.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your candied sweet potatoes less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

Add some spice: Add a fewHow do you add cayenne pepper to your glaze? It adds a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

How can I use high quality butter?I always use unsalted butter for the best flavor. The flavor of butter really shines through in this recipe, so it’s worth using. I accidentally used salted butter and it threw off the whole flavor profile. I’m not sure why. Is this still edible?

Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the sweet potatoes while they’re baking. Overbaking can lead to them becoming mushy.

What are the best sweet potatoes to eat? While orange sweet potatoes are the most common, there are also other varieties, such as white or purple sweet potatoes. Each variety has a slightly different flavor and texture, so experiment to find your favorite!

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating your Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Room Temperature: You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my preferred method of storage.

Freezer Instructions: You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating: To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they might not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use artificial sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

I haven’t tested this recipe with artificial sweeteners, so I can’t guarantee the results. However, you can try using a brown sugar substitute, but keep in mind that it might affect the flavor and texture.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or even almonds would be a delicious addition. I recommend toasting them before adding them to the sweet potatoes for extra flavor and crunch.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine them and bake as directed.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

While I always prefer fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well before using them in the recipe. You might also want to reduce the baking time slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter substitute, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s beloved Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe! It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. The incredible flavor, surprising ease, and family-friendly nature of this recipe make it a true winner. If you’re looking for more delicious sweet potato recipes, be sure to check out my sweet potato pie recipe and my roasted sweet potato and Brussels sprouts recipe. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and how you personalized it! Also, a rating would be greatly appreciated!

No ratings yet