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If you’re craving a festive dish that’s both comforting and full of warm, cozy flavors, look no further than this Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender sweet potatoes bathed in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday meal or just want to brighten up your dinner plate, this recipe promises a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique touch to the flavor, texture, and vibrant color of your candied sweet potatoes. They come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes like it took hours of work, but really, it’s all about quality and balance.
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced: Choose firm sweet potatoes for consistent slices that soften perfectly during baking.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that glossy, indulgent glaze.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings deep molasses notes and lovely moisture to the dish.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a slight crunch when caramelized.
- 1/4 cup water: Ensures the sugar melts evenly into a smooth glaze.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm and inviting spice that complements sweet potatoes perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and keeps flavors balanced.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: A final flourish that lifts the glaze with its fragrant sweetness.
- Pinch of ground cloves or ginger (optional): For an optional spicy kick that adds complexity to the glaze.
How to Make Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key to baking these sweet potatoes evenly throughout. While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure the sweet potatoes won’t stick as they caramelize into a golden glory.
Step 2: Slice Your Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into rounds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistency here is important to help them bake evenly. Lay them out in the baking dish, overlapping slightly so you can fit all those slices in snugly but aren’t too crowded.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Spiced Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just liquid and fragrant. Stir in the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, plus the optional cloves or ginger if you’re using them. Heat everything together until the mixture gently bubbles, releasing a heavenly aroma of warm spices.
Step 4: Add Vanilla for Warm Aromatics
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch rounds out the flavors, creating a fragrant glaze that’s as comforting as a warm hug.
Step 5: Pour the Glaze Over Sweet Potatoes
Slowly and carefully pour the warm glaze over the sweet potato slices, making sure to coat every piece evenly. This generous coverage ensures each bite will be sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced.
Step 6: Bake Covered to Soften
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This step helps the sweet potatoes soften and soak up all those luscious flavors so they’ll be tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Uncover and Caramelize
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. Remember to baste the sweet potatoes once or twice with the glaze during this time. This helps develop that irresistible caramelized crust that makes the dish so special.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once your candied sweet potatoes look beautifully glossy and caramelized, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier without losing any of the gorgeous shine.
How to Serve Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or chopped fresh parsley on top for a delightful texture contrast and a pop of color. A few whole cranberries or dried fruits can also add a festive touch and a sweet-tart balance that complements the glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with traditional roasts like turkey or ham, but also shines alongside a savory grain like wild rice or quinoa. It balances green vegetable sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky sautéed spinach perfectly, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family-style meal, serve the candied sweet potatoes right in the baking dish for everyone to help themselves. To impress guests, you can plate individual portions with a drizzle of the remaining glaze and a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a tasty make-ahead option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, wait until they are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your candied sweet potatoes gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the glaze remain glossy and luscious rather than drying out like a microwave might cause.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger or cloves?
Absolutely! Fresh ginger will add a vibrant, zingy note to the glaze. Use about 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for every pinch of ground spice called for, but remember to taste and adjust so the flavor doesn’t overpower the sweet potatoes.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can skip it without drastically changing the dish. However, vanilla really enhances the warmth and depth of the glaze, so consider adding a small splash of maple syrup or honey as a subtle substitute.
Can this recipe be made ahead before baking?
Yes, you can prepare everything through Step 5, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, add the foil and follow the baking steps. Just give a little extra time in the oven if your dish is cold coming out of the fridge.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. The glaze should be bubbling and thickened with a deep caramel color, coating each slice beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients (especially vanilla extract and spices) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute joy to make and enjoy. It strikes that perfect harmony of sweetness, spice, and buttery richness that feels like a celebration on your plate. I can’t recommend it enough—whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday meal, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to win hearts and create memories around your table. Give it a try and prepare to be delighted!
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Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners. Sweet potato slices are baked in a rich, buttery glaze made with brown sugar, spices, and vanilla, resulting in tender, caramelized potatoes with warm aromatic notes.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cloves or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Slice Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds. Arrange them in the baking dish, slightly overlapping to fit all slices evenly.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and the optional ground cloves or ginger. Stir until the mixture bubbles gently, forming a luscious glaze.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the glaze.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potato slices, making sure to cover them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes.
- Bake Uncovered and Baste: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Baste the sweet potatoes once or twice with the glaze to enhance flavor and caramelization. The glaze should thicken and take on a rich appearance when done.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the candied sweet potatoes rest for 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use consistent thickness when slicing sweet potatoes for even cooking.
- Optional ground cloves or ginger add warmth but can be omitted if preferred.
- For easier serving, let the dish rest after baking so the glaze thickens slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
