Have you ever been on the hunt for a side dish that steals the show? I mean a dish so good that it almost upstages the main course. That is exactly what we have here with these incredible Candied Sweet Potatoes. It is one of those classic Sweet Potato Recipes that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. It reminds me of big family dinners and holidays filled with warmth and laughter.
What I really adore about this recipe is its simplicity. You do not need any fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. Just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh sweet potatoes. The result is a pan of tender, beautifully glazed potatoes that are sweet, savory, and wonderfully comforting. They are the perfect addition to so many Sweet Potato Meals, and I cannot wait for you to try them.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this one of my favorite Sweet Potato Recipes? Let me count the ways. First off, it is unbelievably easy to make. If you are new to cooking or just want something straightforward, this is a great place to start. The steps are simple and the outcome is always impressive.
The flavor is another huge reason. The combination of sweet potatoes with brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg is just divine. It creates a sauce that is rich, buttery, and clings to every slice of potato. It is a classic flavor profile for a reason, it just works so well.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. While it is a natural fit for holiday tables next to a turkey or ham, it is also simple enough for a regular weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork chops. These really are one of the best Sweet Potato Side Dishes you can make.
Finally, the ingredients are accessible and affordable. You likely have most of them in your kitchen right now. This means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes without a special trip to the store. It is a comforting, crowd pleasing dish that delivers every single time.
Ingredients
Before we jump into the instructions, let’s talk about the ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the sweet potato. Look for ones that are firm with smooth skin. Any variety will work, but orange fleshed ones like garnet or jewel are fantastic here.
The sauce is a simple mix of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices. I prefer using pure maple syrup for the best flavor. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sweetness perfectly. It is a simple list for one of the most satisfying Sweet Potato Recipes.
- 5 to 6 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4 pounds)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tablespoons; 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 teaspoons orange zest
- Optional for garnish: chopped fresh or dried rosemary, flaky sea salt
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Following these steps will give you the most delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes. I will walk you through everything, explaining the little details along the way to ensure your dish comes out beautifully.
Step 1: Prepare The Sweet Potatoes
First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready. Give them a good wash and peel the skin off completely. Then, you will want to slice them into rounds that are about a half inch thick. Try to keep the slices as uniform as possible. This helps them cook evenly so you do not end up with some pieces that are mushy and others that are still hard.
Once they are all sliced, place them in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish or another similar 3 quart dish. You can use nonstick spray, butter, or oil to grease it. Sprinkle the salt over the potatoes and give them a good toss to make sure they are lightly coated. This small amount of salt really helps to balance the sweetness of the final dish.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
This is a quick but important step. You will want to preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Getting the oven nice and hot before the dish goes in is key to getting the timing right. It ensures that the potatoes start cooking immediately and the sauce begins to caramelize properly.
Step 3: Make The Buttery Sauce
Now for the best part, the glorious sauce. Grab a medium saucepan. To help the butter melt a bit faster, I like to cut the stick in half. Combine the butter, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in the saucepan over medium heat.
Cook this mixture, stirring frequently, until the butter is completely melted and everything is well combined. Once the butter is melted, stop stirring. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Let it boil for a full 2 minutes without stirring. This step is important because it allows the sugar to dissolve properly and the sauce to start thickening slightly. It is the beginning of creating that beautiful glaze.
After two minutes of boiling, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, stir in the pure vanilla extract. If you are using orange zest, this is the time to add it in as well. The zest adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Step 4: Combine And Coat
Pour this wonderfully fragrant sauce all over the sliced sweet potatoes in your baking dish. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every single slice of potato is generously coated in that buttery, sugary goodness. This coating is what will turn into a beautiful glaze in the oven.
Step 5: Bake To Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for a total of 1 hour. However, you will need to give the potatoes a little attention during the baking process. Every 20 minutes, take the dish out and give the potatoes a good stir. This redistributes the sauce and helps them cook evenly. It also prevents the sugar on top from burning while the potatoes underneath are still cooking.
After the first 20 minute stir, I recommend covering the dish with a piece of aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps the potatoes become tender all the way through without the tops getting too dark. Continue baking and stirring every 20 minutes until the full hour is up. The potatoes should be completely tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Once the baking time is done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. The sauce will look quite thin and liquidy at this point. Do not worry! This is completely normal. The magic happens as it cools. Let the dish sit uncovered for about 10 minutes before serving. During this time, the sauce will thicken up into a beautiful, syrupy glaze.
If you are using them, this is the time to sprinkle on your garnishes. A little bit of chopped fresh rosemary or some flaky sea salt provides a lovely savory contrast to the sweetness. Now your amazing Sweet Potato Side Dishes are ready to be enjoyed.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer the potatoes to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce will become quite thick and solid once it is chilled. That is perfectly fine.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can simply warm them up in the microwave. As the potatoes heat up, the sauce will melt and return to its lovely, glossy consistency. You can also reheat them in a small saucepan over low heat or in the oven until warmed through. These leftovers are a fantastic part of future Sweet Potato Meals.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Candied Sweet Potatoes turn out great every time. As I mentioned, cutting the potatoes into even slices is really helpful for consistent cooking. A mandoline slicer can be useful here, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just fine.
Do not be tempted to skip the step of boiling the sauce for 2 minutes. This is what helps create the base for that thick, syrupy glaze. It is a small detail that makes a big difference in the final texture of the sauce.
Feel free to customize the spices to your liking. If you love cinnamon, add a little extra. A pinch of cloves or allspice would also be a delicious addition. This is one of those Sweet Potato Recipes that is very forgiving and easy to adapt.
For a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 20 minutes of baking. They will toast up nicely in the oven and add a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, tender potatoes.
If you want to get a head start on prep, you can peel and slice the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent them from browning. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days.
Conclusion
There you have it, a truly wonderful recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes. It is a dish that is packed with comforting flavors and is so easy to put together. It is a reliable choice that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends, whether it is for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It has become one of my go to Sweet Potato Recipes because of its simplicity and delicious results. It is proof that you do not need a long list of complicated ingredients to create something truly special. Enjoy every sweet, buttery bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types Of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! While orange fleshed varieties like Jewel or Garnet are common and work beautifully, you could use other types. Just be aware that different varieties have slightly different levels of sweetness and moisture content, which might affect the final texture slightly. But it’s a great way to experiment with Sweet Potato Recipes.
My Sauce Is Too Thin. What Went Wrong?
Do not panic if the sauce looks thin right out of the oven. This is expected! It needs about 10 minutes of rest time to cool and thicken into a glaze. If it is still too thin after cooling, it could be that the potatoes released a lot of water, or the sauce did not boil for the full 2 minutes before baking. Next time, ensure that 2 minute boil happens.
What Can I Serve With These Candied Sweet Potatoes?
These are one of the most versatile Sweet Potato Side Dishes! They are a classic pairing for holiday mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or roast beef. For everyday Sweet Potato Meals, they are fantastic alongside roasted chicken, pork loin, or even a hearty steak. They balance savory main courses wonderfully.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. You may need to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time since you will be starting with a cold dish. It is a great way to save time when preparing for a big meal.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
These incredible Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic side dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Tender, beautifully glazed, sweet, and wonderfully comforting, they’re easy to make with pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or holiday tables.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice 5-6 medium sweet potatoes into half-inch rounds. Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and toss to coat.
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
- Make the buttery sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 Tablespoon water, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and optional 2 tsp orange zest.
- Combine and coat: Pour the sauce over the sliced sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Gently toss to ensure all slices are generously coated.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven. Stir potatoes every 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, cover the dish with aluminum foil. Continue baking and stirring every 20 minutes until potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let sit uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken into a glaze. Garnish with chopped fresh rosemary or flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Evenly slicing the potatoes helps ensure consistent cooking; a sharp knife works well. For the thick, syrupy glaze, do not skip boiling the sauce for 2 minutes.
Customize spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice to your taste. For added crunch, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 20 minutes of baking.
To prep ahead, peel and slice sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in cold water in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead and refrigerated.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave, saucepan, or oven until warmed through; the sauce will re-melt.
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