Candied sweet potatoes are a warm and sweet side dish that brightens up any meal. They’re made by cooking sweet potato slices in sugar, butter, and spices until they’re tender and lovely!
These aren’t just any potatoes; they taste like dessert! They make the perfect companion for turkey or ham—or just for a cozy night in with a spoon. Sweet potato lovers unite! 🍠❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! I recommend using medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, yams are a good alternative, though they might be slightly less sweet.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar; just consider adding a touch of molasses for that caramel-like taste. Coconut sugar is another great option for a healthier twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well here and adds a unique flavor. Vegan buttery spreads are also a nice substitute.
Water or Orange Juice: Using orange juice enhances the sweet flavor with a citrusy zing. If you want to skip the juice, just stick with water, but do try orange juice if you can!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Tender?
Getting tender sweet potatoes is all about cooking them long enough and keeping them covered initially. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create warm, even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and cooks the sweet potatoes evenly.
- After 45 minutes, check if they are tender by piercing with a fork. If they aren’t tender yet, give them some more time!
- Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to let the syrup thicken and caramelize. Basting with the syrup helps evenly coat the sweet potatoes.
Following these steps leads to perfectly cooked, deliciously sweet candied sweet potatoes every time!
Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup water or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 1 hour of baking time. So, you can expect a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. While the sweet potatoes bake, you can relax or prep other parts of your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sweet potatoes cook evenly and come out delicious!
2. Make the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, water (or orange juice), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. You want a nice, smooth syrup.
3. Assemble the Sweet Potatoes:
Take a large baking dish and arrange the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in it. Don’t worry if some slices overlap; they’ll cook perfectly together!
4. Pour on the Syrup:
Once your syrup is ready, pour it evenly over the sweet potatoes. Make sure each slice gets coated so that they all soak up that delicious flavor.
5. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil to help steam the potatoes. Pop it into the oven and let them bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check them by piercing with a fork to see if they’re tender!
6. Finish the Cooking:
After they’ve softened, carefully remove the foil. Baste the sweet potatoes with the tasty syrup in the dish, then return them to the oven without the foil for another 15 minutes. This will help the syrup thicken and caramelize, creating that irresistible glaze.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add fresh rosemary sprigs on top for a lovely presentation and a hint of aroma. Serve these warm as a sweet side dish that everyone will love!
Enjoy your deliciously sweet and tender candied sweet potatoes—a perfect addition to any holiday meal or cozy dinner with family and friends! 🍠✨
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Instead of Brown Sugar?
Yes! If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar. Just add a tablespoon of molasses per cup to mimic the flavor of brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup can also work, but be mindful that they may alter the final texture a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if they seem too dry.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the syrup a day ahead. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a bit of extra time if needed!
How Can I Make These Candied Sweet Potatoes Healthier?
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of brown sugar by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. You can also swap out half the butter for unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat while still keeping them delicious!