Description
Candied Sweet Potatoes are a warm and comforting holiday side dish combining tender sweet potatoes with a rich, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. This simple, crowd-pleasing recipe balances natural sweetness with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, creating a festive dish perfect for family feasts or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into even slices or chunks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into even slices or chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. This prepares them for tender, perfectly cooked pieces that absorb the glaze well.
- Make the Candied Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract if using. Whisk until creamy and smooth, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated for a rich, glossy finish.
- Toss Sweet Potatoes in the Sauce: Evenly coat the sweet potato pieces with the prepared candied sauce, making sure each piece is well covered to caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Bake Until Tender and Glazed: Arrange the coated sweet potatoes in an even layer in a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze.
- Add Final Touches: If adding nuts or citrus zest, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking to toast the nuts or release fresh citrus aroma without burning.
Notes
- Choose firm sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots for even baking and best texture.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking without underdone or dry pieces.
- Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through baking to allow the glaze to thicken and coat them perfectly.
- Use fresh cinnamon and nutmeg to intensify flavor and aroma.
- Let the dish rest slightly before serving to allow the glaze to set for easier serving and eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg