Description of this recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a sweet and savory treat. This recipe takes the traditional candied sweet potato to the next level, creating a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the potatoes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply a comforting weeknight meal, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses. The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices creates a heavenly glaze that elevates the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Plus, the optional addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Introduction:
Candied Sweet Potatoes are a staple in Southern cuisine, particularly during the holidays. However, their appeal extends far beyond special occasions. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into something extraordinary. This recipe builds upon the classic formula, enhancing the flavor profile with a touch of maple syrup and a generous blend of spices. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for pleasing a crowd or simply indulging in a little bit of sweetness. This dish is more than just a side; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate that brings people together. Every bite is a reminder of home, of warmth, and of the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. With each forkful, you’ll discover a symphony of flavors, from the earthy sweetness of the potatoes to the rich caramel notes of the glaze.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the sweet potatoes will cook evenly and the glaze will caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling them and cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity in size is essential for even cooking. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and set them aside.
Step 3: While the sweet potatoes are boiling, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. The vanilla enhances the overall sweetness, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, spicy aroma. The salt balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 4: Gently add the drained and cooked sweet potato cubes to the saucepan with the glaze. Toss them carefully to ensure that each piece is evenly coated in the sweet and savory mixture. The goal is to create a generous coating of glaze on every cube, maximizing the flavor in each bite.
Step 5: Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread them out in a single layer and pour any remaining glaze over the top. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the sweet potatoes. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze has thickened into a rich, caramelized coating. The stirring halfway through ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly and that the glaze doesn’t burn. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning, and if necessary, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 7: Remove the Candied Sweet Potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Candied Sweet Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. They are a classic accompaniment to ham, turkey, or roasted chicken, making them a perfect addition to holiday feasts. They also complement savory dishes like pork loin, beef brisket, or even vegetarian options like lentil loaf or roasted vegetables. For a unique twist, try serving them with grilled fish or shrimp. Their sweetness provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of seafood. You can also use leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes in other dishes, such as sweet potato casserole, sweet potato pie, or even as a topping for waffles or pancakes.
Tips:
- To save time, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in cold water in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter. To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or corn syrup.
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- If the glaze becomes too thick during baking, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- To prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the baking dish, grease it well with butter or cooking spray.
- If you want to add more texture, try adding other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, along with the pecans.
- For a more decadent treat, top the Candied Sweet Potatoes with marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion:
Candied Sweet Potatoes are a timeless classic that deserves a place on your table. With their sweet and savory flavor profile, tender texture, and easy preparation, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for a holiday feast or simply enjoying them as a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of Candied Sweet Potatoes. You won’t be disappointed.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time. You can cook the sweet potatoes and make the glaze, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply combine the sweet potatoes and glaze in the baking dish and bake as directed. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the sweet potatoes are cold.
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the glaze. Keep in mind that canned sweet potatoes are already cooked, so you may need to reduce the baking time to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- What can I substitute for brown sugar?
- If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with granulated sugar. However, brown sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor to the glaze. To mimic the flavor of brown sugar, you can add a tablespoon of molasses to the granulated sugar.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensuring that the maple syrup is pure maple syrup (some brands may contain honey). Omit the pecans or substitute with another nut if desired.
- How do I store leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes?
- Leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or maple syrup to the baking dish to keep them from drying out during reheating.
