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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
