Name: Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 large sweet potatoes; ½ cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar

These Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. The sweet potatoes are cooked in a rich and buttery brown sugar sauce, creating a tender and caramelized treat. This recipe is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Comforting: The combination of sweet potatoes and brown sugar creates a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall and winter.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks.
Versatile Side Dish: These candied sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to poultry.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Large sweet potatoes: Peeled and sliced, the star of the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes. Peel them and slice them to about ¼-inch thick.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Sauce

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until combined.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Add the sliced sweet potatoes to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish. Pour the brown sugar butter mixture over the sweet potatoes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and stir the sweet potatoes. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Thicken and Serve

Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice evenly: Slicing the sweet potatoes to a uniform thickness ensures they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the dish: Overcrowding can cause the sweet potatoes to steam instead of caramelize.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Add spices: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the brown sugar sauce for extra flavor.

How to Serve

Holiday Side Dish: These candied sweet potatoes are a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday meals.
Comfort Food: Serve them as a comforting side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or ham.
Dessert: Enjoy them as a sweet and satisfying dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing

While you can freeze candied sweet potatoes, they may become slightly mushy upon thawing. For best results, consume leftovers within a few days.

FAQs

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use white sugar, but brown sugar adds a richer caramel flavor.

Can I add nuts to the dish?

Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dish for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Yes, maple syrup is a good substitute for brown sugar.

Can I bake these in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake these in a slow cooker. Layer the sweet potatoes and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until tender.