Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Deliciously Cozy Recipe for Your Family Gatherings
The scent of sweet potatoes baking in the oven is like a warm hug from your grandmother. I can still recall the chilly autumn evenings at my childhood home, where golden candied sweet potatoes graced our Thanksgiving table, shimmering with syrupy sweetness. Each tender slice of sweet potato glistened under the gentle flicker of candlelight, inviting us to gather together and share in the joy of good food and great company. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner with family, this recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes is sure to bring warmth to your heart and your home. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and nostalgic, bringing back fond memories of family gatherings
- Easy-to-follow recipe that’s perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike
- A rich, sweet flavor profile that complements savory dishes beautifully
- Family-friendly and loved by both kids and adults
- Makes a perfect side dish for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners
What You’ll Need
Gather the following simple ingredients to create your own delightful batch of Candied Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thick slices, about 1-inch thick, allowing maximum absorption of that glorious syrup.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, watching as it transforms into a golden, bubbly pool of goodness.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, letting the comforting aroma fill your kitchen.
- Add the water and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined to create a smooth, sweet sauce.
- Place the sweet potato slices in a baking dish, arranging them snugly together, and pour the brown sugar mixture over the top, ensuring every slice is lovingly coated.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften and soak up the flavors.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to caramelize and become perfectly tender and glazed.
- Serve warm as a side dish, and watch as everyone at your table gravitates towards this luscious dish.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Maple Cinnamon Twist: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a rich, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon!
- Nutty Topping: Finish your dish with a sprinkling of chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty aroma.
- Coconut Cream Dream: Add a hint of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical spin on this traditional recipe.
- Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a little added warmth and aromatic flair.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sweet potatoes and the sauce a day in advance. Simply refrigerate and bake just before your meal!
- Slicing Technique: For evenly cooked sweet potatoes, try to keep your slices consistent in size, about 1-inch thick.
- Storage Suggestions: If you have leftovers (not likely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of butter, coconut oil makes a wonderful substitute for a different but equally delightful flavor.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 56mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and sauce in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them on the day of your meal.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sugars or add spices based on your preferences.How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.How long does it last?
When stored properly, Candied Sweet Potatoes can last in the fridge for about 3 days.
Wrapping It Up
Every bite of these Candied Sweet Potatoes is a reminder of home, family, and cherished moments shared around the table. They’re not just sweet; they embody the warmth of togetherness in every tender forkful. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Save this Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe to your cozy meals board so it’s ready when you need a delightful treat!
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Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for candied sweet potatoes that adds warmth and nostalgia to any family gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thick slices, about 1-inch thick.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the water and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Place the sweet potato slices in a baking dish and pour the brown sugar mixture over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
Make-ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance and bake just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 56mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sweet potatoes, candied, side dish, Thanksgiving, family recipe