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
Scale
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.
