Name: Candied Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes are a beloved Thanksgiving and holiday staple, but this sweet and savory side dish deserves a spot on your dinner table year-round. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s the perfect complement to roasted meats and poultry.

This classic recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of brown sugar, butter, and a hint of salt. The result is a caramelized, mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistently delicious results.

To elevate your candied sweet potatoes, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. For a gourmet twist, drizzle with a bourbon-maple glaze or top with toasted pecans. No matter how you serve them, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

So, next time you’re planning a special meal, treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless dish. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of comfort and tradition.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
While fresh sweet potatoes offer the best flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a shortcut. Drain them well and reduce the baking time as they will already be cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy candied sweet potatoes fresh from the oven. However, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Before baking, bring them to room temperature.

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming too soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to pat the sweet potato slices dry before adding them to the baking dish. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?
Absolutely! To add marshmallows, top the baked sweet potatoes with marshmallows and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.

What other spices can I use?
You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick.

What you need to make Candied Sweet Potatoes:

6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon salt

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to make it:

Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare sweet potatoes: Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

Combine ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine sweet potato slices, brown sugar, melted butter, water, and salt. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes evenly. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.

Serve: Serve warm as a side dish.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.

For extra sweetness, add a dollop of marshmallow cream on top before serving.

You can also roast the sweet potatoes in advance and reheat them before adding the candied topping for a quicker weeknight meal.

Latest Reviews:

These candied sweet potatoes were a total hit! The perfect balance of sweet and savory. The caramelized tops were amazing. Definitely a new Thanksgiving staple. Ryan F.

So easy to follow and the results were incredible! The sweet potatoes were tender and the topping was perfectly crispy. This recipe is a keeper! Gemma S.

I’ve tried several candied sweet potato recipes but this one is the best! The cinnamon added a warm flavor that elevated the dish. Will be making this again and again. Melissa L.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 6 servings