Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes are a classic holiday side dish. They combine tender sweet potatoes with a rich, caramelized glaze, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth to any holiday table, making them an irresistible side everyone loves.

Candied sweet potatoes are a holiday staple in our family. They’ve graced our Thanksgiving table since before I could walk and became a Christmas tradition long before I knew about Santa. Despite their gourmet appearance, they’re one of the simplest and most rewarding dishes you’ll make this holiday season.

Why I Love this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Classic holiday side dish – This dish has a comforting familiarity that never fails to bring back cherished memories, making it a must-have on any holiday table. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the other traditional favorites like turkey and stuffing, rounding out the meal with its irresistible sweetness.
• Simply delicious – This holiday side dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The caramelized sugar gives the sweet potatoes a rich, buttery glaze, while the warm spices add a festive touch that feels like the holidays in every bite.
• Easy to prepare – It’s an easy recipe to prepare, which is perfect for the busy holiday season when you’re juggling multiple dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that looks and tastes impressive without the stress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward, requiring only a quick peel, slice, and bake. The oven does most of the work, giving you time to focus on other dishes or enjoy the holiday festivities while it cooks to perfection.

To successfully prepare this Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe, or any recipe for that matter, it’s important to have good organization. In cooking, this is known as “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its place.” Before you begin cooking, take a moment to read and understand the entire recipe, gather your tools, measure and prep all the ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you’re ready for each step with no surprises, making things far less stressful in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, naturally sweet with a tender texture that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth, buttery glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic sweetness that deepens the flavor of the candied glaze.
• Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the sweetness of the potatoes with its earthy, slightly nutty flavor.
• Allspice: Adds depth and holiday warmth to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: A subtle kick of heat that adds complexity to each bite.
• Kosher Salt: Helps to enhance all the flavors, keeping the sweetness in check while rounding out the overall taste.
• Fresh Ground Pepper: Balances the sweet and savory elements.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Rinse and peel the potatoes.

• Then cut the potatoes into 1-2 inch pieces.

• Boil the potatoes to pre-cook.

• Mix the glaze.
• Bake and Serve.

Variations

• When done baking, top the sweet potatoes with marshmallows and toast under the broiler for 5 minutes until brown.
• Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze mixture before cooking.  The alcohol will bake off, leaving a subtle hint of the bourbon that balances the sweetness.
• Add a tablespoon or two of Maple syrup to the glaze mixture to bring another layer of flavor.
• Sprinkle pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes before baking for additional texture and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator – Up to 3 days

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator using an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer – Up to 3 months

You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

When you’re ready to eat the leftover sweet potatoes, place onto a plate and heat 30-seconds at a time until they reach the desired temperature.