Candied Sweet Potatoes are the kind of side dish that instantly makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Imagine tender chunks of sweet potatoes, bathed in a buttery, spiced syrup that bubbles into a glossy, caramelized coating—each bite is pure comfort and nostalgia. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a showstopper that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday suppers, or whenever you’re craving a little extra sweetness on the table. If you’re ready to fall in love with a tried-and-true classic, this is the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Candied Sweet Potatoes starts with just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in the final flavor and texture. Every component here brings something essential to the party, whether it’s richness, warmth, or that irresistible caramel finish.
- Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, peeled, and cut into even chunks for beautiful texture and even cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps create that silky, glossy syrup.
- Brown Sugar: The foundation of the candy coating, lending deep molasses notes and a gorgeous color.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar for perfect sweetness and a smooth syrup.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugars and keeps everything luscious instead of sticky.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the syrup with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice and complexity that makes the dish pop.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a lovely, fragrant note.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and chopping them into hearty 1-inch chunks. This size is just right—they’ll hold their shape while becoming deliciously tender. The key is to keep the pieces as uniform as possible, so every bite is perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Parboil for Perfect Texture
Place the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring everything to a gentle boil and cook for about 10 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be slightly tender but definitely not falling apart. Drain them well; this step sets you up for that melt-in-your-mouth texture later.
Step 3: Make the Syrupy Magic
While the potatoes are draining, grab a large skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until it’s smooth, glossy, and just starting to thicken into a luscious syrup.
Step 4: Assemble and Coat
Transfer the drained sweet potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour that beautiful, fragrant syrup all over the potatoes and give them a gentle stir to coat every piece. You want every chunk glistening with the sweet, spiced mixture.
Step 5: Bake to Caramelized Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Give the potatoes a gentle stir halfway through. By the end, the sweet potatoes will be fork-tender and swimming in bubbly, caramelized syrup. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows over the top during the last few minutes of baking—let them get golden and gooey. You could also try a dusting of extra cinnamon or a few chopped pecans for a lovely crunch. The right garnish makes your Candied Sweet Potatoes look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
Candied Sweet Potatoes pair beautifully with classic holiday mains like roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. They also shine alongside savory sides like green beans, cornbread, or a crisp salad to balance the sweetness. This dish is a versatile companion to both everyday and festive meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Candied Sweet Potatoes in individual ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy look, or layer them in a casserole with toasted marshmallows on top for a playful twist. If you’re hosting a potluck, bring them in a rustic baking dish and let guests help themselves—watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Candied Sweet Potatoes (lucky you!), simply let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get richer as they meld together.
Freezing
Candied Sweet Potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool them thoroughly and pack into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—just note that the texture may be a little softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual portions; just be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
You can substitute yams if that’s what you have, but true sweet potatoes offer a creamier texture and naturally sweeter flavor. Either way, the recipe will still yield a deliciously candied result.
What’s the best way to keep Candied Sweet Potatoes from getting mushy?
The secret is to avoid overcooking during the boiling step—just cook until slightly tender, not soft. Baking will finish the job and keep the texture just right.
Can I make Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.
Are Candied Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for guests with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your vanilla extract and spices to be sure.
How can I add extra flavor to my Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Try a splash of orange juice or maple syrup in the sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Chopped pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top are also delicious enhancements.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Candied Sweet Potatoes—the way they bring people together, add warmth to any table, and turn humble ingredients into a celebration of flavor. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved tradition in your own home!
Print
Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic American side dish features tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, spiced brown sugar glaze. Candied Sweet Potatoes are perfect for holiday meals or any occasion that calls for a comforting, sweet, and savory accompaniment. The recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, enhanced by butter and vanilla for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain thoroughly.
- Make the Syrup: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Bake: Transfer the parboiled sweet potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the prepared sugar mixture evenly over the potatoes, gently stirring to coat all pieces well.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the sweet potatoes uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring carefully once halfway through cooking to ensure even coating. The sweet potatoes should be tender and the syrup bubbly. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- For extra sweetness and texture, add a handful of mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of orange juice or maple syrup to the sugar mixture before baking.
- These candied sweet potatoes can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
