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Candied Sweet Potatoes

These candied sweet potatoes combine perfectly cooked potato slices with a rich butter-maple sauce and warming spices. The make-ahead friendly recipe creates tender potatoes with a caramelized sauce perfect for any holiday table.

A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:36:07 GMT
A close-up of sliced sweet potatoes glazed with a shiny sauce and garnished with herbs in a dark bowl.
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A close-up of sliced sweet potatoes glazed with a shiny sauce and garnished with herbs in a dark bowl. Pin it
A close-up of sliced sweet potatoes glazed with a shiny sauce and garnished with herbs in a dark bowl. | quickierecipe.com

These candied sweet potatoes bring back memories of holiday dinners at my grandmother's house. The way the brown sugar and maple syrup create that perfect caramel glaze while warm spices fill the kitchen with their comforting aroma makes this dish pure magic. It's become my most requested side dish at family gatherings.

Pure Comfort Food

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and incredible flavor. Each bite offers tender sweet potatoes wrapped in a buttery maple caramel sauce. What I love most is how easy it is to prepare letting me focus on other dishes while it bakes to perfection filling my home with the most amazing holiday scents.

Your Shopping List

  • 4 large sweet potatoes: Look for firm ones with copper skin about 3 pounds total.
  • 1/2 cup butter: Use real unsalted butter it makes all the difference.
  • 1 cup brown sugar: Dark brown adds deeper caramel notes.
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: The real stuff no pancake syrup here.
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Ground fresh for best flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon each nutmeg and ginger: Adds wonderful warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla not imitation.
  • Optional toppings: Fresh orange zest rosemary sprigs flaky sea salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
Peel sweet potatoes and slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange in buttered 9x13 casserole dish sprinkle with pinch of salt.
Create the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan combine butter brown sugar maple syrup 1/4 cup water and spices. Bring to simmer over medium heat cook 2 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat stir in vanilla.
Begin Baking
Pour warm sauce over sweet potatoes toss gently to coat. Cover dish with foil bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Finish and Garnish
Remove foil continue baking 30 minutes more basting potatoes with sauce every 15 minutes until tender and caramelized. Add any optional toppings just before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Keep potato slices consistent thickness ensures they cook evenly.
  • Real maple syrup creates best flavor artificial syrups won't work as well.
  • Baste regularly during baking helps develop that perfect glaze.
  • Fresh herbs and citrus zest add brightness to balance sweetness.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving sauce will thicken as it cools.

Storage and Reheating

Keep leftover sweet potatoes in airtight container refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until hot about 20 minutes. For quick reheating microwave works fine. Make ahead up to 2 days rewarm before serving perfect for busy holiday meals.

A close-up view of a pan filled with glazed sweet potato slices garnished with rosemary. Pin it
A close-up view of a pan filled with glazed sweet potato slices garnished with rosemary. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why stir every 20 minutes while baking?

Regular stirring ensures even coating and caramelization of the sauce on all potato slices, preventing any from drying out or burning.

→ Why cover after 20 minutes?

Covering with foil helps potatoes cook evenly and prevents the top layer from drying out while allowing the sauce to properly caramelize.

→ Can I make elements ahead?

Yes! Slice potatoes one day ahead and make sauce 1-2 days ahead. Store separately in refrigerator until ready to combine and bake.

→ Why is the sauce thin at first?

The sauce thickens as it cools. Right from the oven it will be thin, but reaches perfect consistency after 10-minute rest.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat covered at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

Candied Potatoes

Tender sweet potatoes in a rich buttery sauce made with maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday meals.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 5-6 medium sweet potatoes (3-4 lbs).
02 1/2 teaspoon salt.
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
04 1 tablespoon water.
05 1/4 cup pure maple syrup.
06 1 cup brown sugar.
07 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
08 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
09 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
11 Optional: 2 teaspoons orange zest.
12 Optional garnish: rosemary, sea salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and slice 1/2 inch thick. Place in greased 9x13 dish. Toss with salt.

Step 02

Combine butter, water, syrup, sugar, and add spices. Boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Add vanilla and zest if using.

Step 03

Pour sauce over potatoes. Bake for 1 hour total, stirring every 20 minutes. Cover after first 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes uncovered.

Notes

  1. Can prep ahead.
  2. Freezes well.
  3. Sauce thickens as it cools.
  4. Stir regularly while baking.
  5. Perfect holiday dish.
  6. Stores 1 week refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Saucepan.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Aluminum foil.
  • Peeler.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 2 g