Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
There’s something magical about the smell of Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze baking in your kitchen. After over 15 years of perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned that the right balance of sweetness and warmth makes for the perfect side dish. This is the dish my family requests every Thanksgiving—and once you try it, you’ll understand why. You may also find Best Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe useful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing: This dish is always a hit at gatherings, appealing to adults and kids alike.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like pecans or mini marshmallows for an extra twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance to save time on busy days.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Enjoy the richness of a restaurant-style dish made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze, the combination of ingredients brings a delightful sweetness with a touch of warmth. Here’s what you’ll need: You may also find Butter Garlic Steak Bites With Potatoes useful.
- Sweet Potatoes — Opt for firm, blemish-free potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter — Use high-quality butter for a rich, creamy glaze.
- Brown Sugar — Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark adds deeper flavor.
- Maple Syrup — Real maple syrup enhances the sweet potato’s natural sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon — This spice is essential for that warm, comforting aroma.
See the recipe card below for complete ingredients and exact measurements. You may also find Chocolate Cake With Sweetened Condensed Milk And Caramel useful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot — For boiling the sweet potatoes; ensure it’s big enough to accommodate the slices.
- 9×13 inch baking dish — To bake your candied sweet potatoes and let all the flavors meld together.
- Medium saucepan — For preparing the brown sugar glaze.
How to Make Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
This dish comes together in just a few steps, making it easier than it looks. Follow these simple instructions for deliciously candied sweet potatoes. You may also find Heart Shaped Brownies With Cheesecake And Raspberry Swirl useful.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
- Lightly boil: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the sweet potato slices for about 8 to 10 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and let them steam off excess water.
- Assemble: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the sweet potato slices in an even layer.
- Create the glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth.
- Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the sweet potatoes: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring every slice is coated.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. During the last 15 to 20 minutes, spoon some of the glaze over the potatoes.
- Add toppings: If desired, add pecans for crunch or mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving, and spoon excess glaze over the top if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: This ensures each slice gets enough glaze and cooks evenly.
- Bring sweet potatoes to room temperature first: Helps them cook more evenly.
- Make extra glaze: If you love the sweet flavor, double the glaze for an indulgent treat.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds!
- Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat.
- Maple syrup substitution: Replace maple syrup with honey for a different sweet profile.
What to Serve With Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
This Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze pairs beautifully with roasts and grilled meats. Here are my favorite pairings:
- Honey-Glazed Ham — The sweet and savory combinations make for a great match.
- Oven-Roasted Turkey — A classic pairing that completes any holiday feast.
- Grilled Chicken — The sweet potatoes complement the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.
- Spicy Chardonnay — This wine’s acidity balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to keep the texture smooth. Avoid the microwave as it may make the sweet potatoes soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep this dish a day in advance and bake it right before serving to save time.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with molasses as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor.
How do I know when Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze is done?
These sweet potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and the glaze is bubbly.
Can I freeze Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze?
Yes, follow the wrapping and reheating instructions above for best results.
Why is my Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze watery?
This can happen if the sweet potatoes are not drained properly after boiling; ensure you let them steam for a while.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and monitor the baking time as it may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a comforting sweetness that everyone loves. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or holiday celebration. Experience the deliciousness of this dish, and you’ll see why it is my favorite!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Candied Sweet Potatoes – Sally’s Baking Addiction for different takes on this classic dish. Additionally, for a reliable classic version, visit Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe – Allrecipes.
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the sweet potato slices for about 8 to 10 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and let them steam off excess water.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the sweet potato slices in an even layer.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring every slice is coated.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. During the last 15 to 20 minutes, spoon some of the glaze over the potatoes.
- If desired, add pecans or mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, and spoon excess glaze over the top if desired.
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