Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 mediumsweet potatoes
3-4 lbs
- ½ tspsalt
- ½ cunsalted butter
- 1 tbspwater
- ¼ cpure maple syrup
- 1 cpacked light or dark brown sugar
- ¾ tspground cinnamon
- ½ tspground nutmeg
- ½ tspground ginger
- 1 tsppure vanilla extract
- optional: 2 teaspoons orange zest
- optional for garnish: chopped fresh or dried rosemary
flaky sea salt
Directions
- 1
Peel then slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place in a greased 9×13-inch or other 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle salt on top and toss to coat. I just use nonstick spray to grease.
- 2
Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
- 3
Cut stick of butter in half. (Helps it melt easier.) Combine all the butter, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the butter has melted. Stop stirring and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Remove sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. (And orange zest, if using.)
- 4
Pour sauce over potatoes and toss to coat.
- 5
Bake for 1 hour, stopping and stirring the sweet potatoes every 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, I cover the dish with aluminum foil so the potatoes bake evenly.
- 6
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt (if using), then cool uncovered for 10 minutes before serving. The sauce is thin right out of the oven but thickens as it cools.
- 7
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Sauce will be thick after refrigeration, but thins out as you warm the leftovers up. Simply warm in the microwave.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26482-candied-yams-VAT-004-4x3-02-f878e584303641d7ab706deb174273e2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/9219-sweet-potato-casserole-i-vat-4X3-crop-af78ce7e0bf64fb1ae28a5a09ae6963f.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 134 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Are you searching for that quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, the one that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and comforting? These Candied Sweet Potatoes deliver on every front, offering a luxurious, crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table without the stress.
Why These Candied Sweet Potatoes Will Be Your New Favorite
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its commitment to achieving perfectly soft, buttery, extra saucy, caramelized, and sweet results. Unlike overly dry or bland versions, this recipe ensures each bite of sweet potato is enveloped in a rich, spiced syrup. Plus, you’ll love how thoughtfully this dish can be prepared; you can easily handle elements of the recipe ahead of time, easing your holiday workload.
When you dive into these candied sweet potatoes, expect a dish that truly melts in your mouth. The natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes is beautifully enhanced by a generous amount of butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup, creating a deep, caramelized flavor. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger infuse the sauce, adding an aromatic complexity that feels like a warm hug. This is a comforting, indulgent dish designed to be a highlight of any festive meal.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your taste. While the core flavors are irresistible, consider stirring in 2 teaspoons of orange zest for a bright, citrusy lift that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. For a sophisticated garnish, sprinkle with chopped fresh or dried rosemary to add an herbal note, or a pinch of flaky sea salt to provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness. You can also experiment with the ratios of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your preferred spice intensity.
Serve these glorious candied sweet potatoes alongside your holiday roast or as a cherished component of any celebratory dinner. Their rich, golden hue and irresistible aroma make them a stunning centerpiece.