Welcome to the only recipe you’ll ever need for perfect, soul-warming Candied Sweet Potatoes. This dish is a holiday classic for a reason, bringing together tender sweet potatoes in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. Forget overly sweet or disappointingly dry versions; this recipe strikes the perfect balance, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s the quintessential addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
There are countless ways to make this holiday staple, but this recipe stands out for its simplicity and foolproof results. We focus on creating a deep, caramelized flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes without overwhelming them.
- Perfectly Balanced Glaze: The glaze is the star of the show! It’s a simple yet luxurious blend of butter, brown sugar, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla, creating a silky sauce that thickens into a beautiful caramel coating as it bakes.
- Incredibly Tender Potatoes: We’ll show you how to par-boil the sweet potatoes first, a crucial step that guarantees they are perfectly tender and creamy on the inside while holding their shape.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. Whether you love a classic, simple version or want to add toppings like toasted pecans or marshmallows, we’ve got you covered with delicious variation ideas. For another customizable holiday favorite, try these Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these delicious candied sweet potatoes requires just a handful of simple pantry staples. The magic is in how they come together!
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. You’ll need about 3 pounds.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of our rich caramel glaze.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides that classic, deep molasses sweetness.
- Spices: A warm blend of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg is essential for that signature holiday flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A secret ingredient that enhances the sweetness and adds a layer of complexity.
- Salt: A small amount balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious candied sweet potatoes your family has ever tasted. Our method ensures a perfect texture and a glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by thoroughly scrubbing your sweet potatoes. Peel them and cut them into uniform 1-inch thick rounds. Place the cut potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are just barely fork-tender. You don’t want to cook them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain them carefully and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the potatoes are boiling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Continue to stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This fragrant glaze is the key to amazing Candied Sweet Potatoes.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the par-boiled sweet potato slices in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the warm brown sugar glaze evenly over the potatoes, making sure each slice is coated. Bake for 40-50 minutes, basting the potatoes with the glaze from the bottom of the dish every 15 minutes. This basting process is crucial for building that beautiful, lacquered coating. The candied sweet potatoes are done when the glaze is thick, bubbly, and the potatoes are deeply caramelized.
Tips for the Best Candied Sweet Potatoes
To ensure your dish is the star of the show, here are a few expert tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet for the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Slices: Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Skip the Par-Boiling: This step is key to achieving a creamy interior and preventing the potatoes from being undercooked when the glaze is perfectly caramelized.
- Baste, Baste, Baste: Don’t forget to baste the potatoes with the glaze during baking. This builds the sticky, delicious coating that makes this dish famous. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
Delicious Variations
While the classic recipe is a winner, you can easily customize it to your liking. It’s a great companion to other comforting sides, like a classic Easy Corn Casserole.
- With Pecans: For a delightful crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- With Marshmallows: For a truly decadent treat, sprinkle a cup of mini marshmallows over the potatoes during the last 5-7 minutes of baking. Broil for just a minute at the end for a perfectly toasted top, but watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of bourbon to the glaze for a more complex, grown-up flavor profile.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These Candied Sweet Potatoes are perfect for planning ahead, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. You can prepare and assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cook time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
The key is to bake at a moderate temperature (375°F / 190°C) and to baste the potatoes every 15 minutes. This keeps the glaze moist and helps it caramelize evenly without burning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.
It’s a matter of preference! Pecans add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes. Marshmallows create a sweeter, gooier topping. For the best of both worlds, you can even use both!
In most U.S. grocery stores, the terms are used interchangeably. True yams are rare and are an entirely different root vegetable. This recipe uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which is what is commonly used for the dish known as ‘candied yams’.
More Holiday Sides to Try
Looking to round out your holiday table? This dish pairs wonderfully with savory classics. Consider adding our Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe or a flavorful Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing to your menu for a truly unforgettable feast.
The Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Candied Sweet Potatoes (The Ultimate Holiday Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain well.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the drained sweet potato slices in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the glaze evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, basting with the pan glaze every 15 minutes. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creations!
We are confident this will become your go-to recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes. It’s a timeless side dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. If you make this recipe and love it, we would be so grateful if you would share your creation on Pinterest! Your shares help our community grow and bring these delicious recipes to more home cooks.
