Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Comforting Treat
Candied sweet potatoes are a delightful side dish that brings warmth to any meal. With their sweet, caramelized flavor and tender texture, they are sure to be a hit at your dinner table, especially during holidays or family gatherings.
This recipe is not only simple but also creates a cozy atmosphere, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas that will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 290
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 60mg
Why I Love This Candied Sweet Potatoes
These candied sweet potatoes hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of family gatherings and holiday dinners. They’re so easy to make and truly celebrate the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Watching them bubble away in the oven as the syrup caramelizes is both satisfying and nostalgic.
They’re sweet without being overwhelming and have just the right spice to elevate their flavor. Plus, they’re an absolute crowd-pleaser—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to caramelize the sweet potatoes perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. This thickness allows them to cook evenly and absorb the sweet syrup beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is fully combined and the sugar is dissolved into a syrupy mixture.
Step 4: Coat the Potatoes
Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the saucepan, gently stirring to coat them evenly in the syrup. Make sure every slice is well-covered for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep them from sticking and ensure they caramelize evenly.
Step 6: Add Vanilla
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven and stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch enhances the flavor and aroma, making this dish truly irresistible.
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, try topping your candied sweet potatoes with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Serve them warm alongside roasted meats or with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- If you want a lower sugar option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like brown sugar.
- For a different flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or even a touch of ginger for a warm spice twist.
Delicious Variations
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A creamy, dreamy version topped with marshmallows or pecan streusel.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey and a touch of butter for a vibrant side.
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly sweet, slightly nutty, perfect alongside any main dish.
- Baked Apples with Cinnamon: A lovely dessert that captures the essence of fall flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Candied Sweet Potatoes
These candied sweet potatoes are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a fantastic side dish for holiday dinners, especially when paired with roasted turkey or ham.
For a unique twist, serve them alongside a crisp salad or with a glass of chilled apple cider.
Their sweetness also complements savory dishes beautifully, making them versatile enough for any meal.
Storage and Leftovers
To store leftovers, keep the candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Helpful Questions
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
While sweet potatoe are best for this recipe, you can experiment with other varieties, keeping in mind they may change the flavor and texture.
2. Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic feel, you can leave the skins on.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes in the syrup and keep them in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
4. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of sugar) to create a similar flavor.
5. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully caramelized on the outside.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful candied sweet potatoes that bring warmth to any meal, perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; stir in brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until sugar dissolves.
- Gently stir in the sweet potatoes to coat them in the syrup.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the oven and stir in vanilla extract before serving.
Notes
For added texture, top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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