Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced flavors, this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is just what your soul needs. These tender rounds of sweet potato soak up a luscious syrup made from brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, then bake to golden, caramelized perfection. It’s a cozy and delicious side that elevates any meal with its rich taste and comforting aroma, making it a favorite for holiday tables or any time you want a special touch to your dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each contributing essential flavor, texture, or color to the dish. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the aromatic spices and rich butter-infused syrup, every element works in harmony.

• 4 medium sweet potatoes peeled and sliced: Choose firm, fresh potatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that glossy, caramel coating.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Provides deep molasses flavor and moisture to the syrup.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps balance the sweetness and lends a subtle crunch as it caramelizes.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of earthy spice that complements the cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the syrup with a mellow, floral note.
• 1/3 cup water: Helps dissolve sugars and creates a syrupy consistency for coating.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. Arrange these evenly in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a single layer that lets every piece soak up the sweet glaze beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s gently bubbling. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and water. Keep stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes a smooth, fragrant syrup—it’s the magic that will turn these sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering treat.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Pour the syrup evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes. Use a spoon to make sure each slice gets a generous coating of that sweet, buttery goodness. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes; this helps the potatoes start to soften in the syrupy bath.

Step 4: Finish Baking Uncovered

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and gently stir the sweet potatoes to redistribute the syrup. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup has thickened into a luscious caramel glaze.

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your plating, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top after baking for a crunchy contrast. Mini marshmallows melted over the dish in the last five minutes add a delightful gooey texture that kids and adults adore.

Side Dishes

This candied sweet potato dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or any savory main you love. It’s an especially festive companion for holiday celebrations and Sunday dinners, offering that touch of sweetness that balances richer mains perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming, rustic touch, serve the sweet potatoes right in the baking dish or transfer to a vibrant ceramic platter. Layering the slices slightly overlapping creates visual appeal, and drizzling any leftover syrup on top just before serving ensures every bite is drenched in flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish rests, making the next day’s serving just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked sweet potatoes by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To avoid sogginess upon thawing, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the texture slightly. Drizzle any separated syrup back over before serving to keep that signature shine and sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe?

Canned sweet potatoes won’t give you the same texture or freshness that sliced raw potatoes provide. For best results and that perfect caramelized finish, always use fresh sweet potatoes.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and the recipe will still deliver rich and indulgent flavors without dairy.

What can I add to give a crunchy texture?

Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top after baking can add a wonderful crunch that complements the soft sweet potatoes beautifully.

Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time?

You can assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate the dish a day in advance. When ready to serve, just bake as directed but add a few extra minutes under the foil to make sure everything heats through evenly.

How sweet is this recipe? Can I adjust the sugar?

This Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe strikes a lovely balance of sweetness without being overpowering. However, if you prefer it less sweet, feel free to reduce the brown and granulated sugars slightly without losing the dish’s signature richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any meal. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for holidays or gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that never fails to impress. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy this sweet, buttery slice of comfort!

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.3 from 77 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic American side dish featuring tender sweet potato slices baked in a rich, buttery sugar syrup with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This comforting and flavorful recipe is perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday suppers, creating a sweet, caramelized accompaniment to any meal.

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Ingredients

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Sweet Potatoes

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds

Syrup

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup water

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer inside the dish to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
2. Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until the sugars dissolve and the syrup is smooth and aromatic.
3. Coat the Potatoes: Pour the warm syrup evenly over the sweet potato slices in the baking dish. Use a spoon to make sure each slice is well coated with the sweet, spiced syrup to maximize flavor.
4. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the sweet potatoes to steam and soften thoroughly while infusing them with the syrup flavors.
5. Uncover and Caramelize: Remove the foil carefully, stir the sweet potatoes gently to redistribute the syrup, then return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened and caramelized beautifully.
6. Serve: Once baked, spoon some of the luscious caramelized sauce over the potatoes before serving. For an extra special touch, consider topping with mini marshmallows in the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty, festive finish.

Notes

• Topping with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking adds extra sweetness and a gooey texture.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for holiday meal planning.
• Use a baking dish that fits the potatoes in a single layer for even cooking and caramelization.
• If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown or granulated sugar slightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American