Name: Candied Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs); 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for topping)

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Candied sweet potatoes are a delightful culinary hug, wrapping your taste buds in a warm embrace of sweetness and spice. Imagine tender, caramelized bites that practically dance off your fork, leaving you with a lingering aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar that wafts through your home like your favorite holiday memory. They’re not just food; they’re a celebration on a plate.

As a child, I remember my grandma’s kitchen bustling with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of spoons while she prepared her famous candied sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving. It was a highly anticipated ritual, where every bite felt like a mini-party in my mouth. These sweet potatoes were so good that I often wondered if they were sprinkled with magic fairy dust. Whether it’s a festive gathering or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these candied gems are sure to make you swoon.

Why You'll Love This Candied Sweet Potatoes

This incredible Candied Sweet Potatoes transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

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

Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for optimal sweetness and texture. Around 2-3 medium-sized ones should do the trick.
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar to add depth and richness to the dish’s flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best as it allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm, cozy flavor that makes these sweet potatoes sing.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg elevates the sweetness and adds complexity to the overall taste.

For the Topping:

Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows or regular ones will create a gooey topping that’s irresistible when toasted.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake for those luscious sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into uniform rounds—about half an inch thick is perfect. Uniformity helps them cook evenly, so no one potato gets left behind.

Step 3: Mix Your Magic

In a large bowl, combine melted butter (about half a cup) with brown sugar (a cup), cinnamon (a teaspoon), and nutmeg (half a teaspoon). Stir until everything is well mixed; it should resemble a thick syrupy potion.

Step 4: Coat Those Potatoes

Add your sliced sweet potatoes to the bowl and gently toss them in the sugary mixture until they are thoroughly coated. You want them glistening like jewels ready for their royal debut.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer the coated sweet potatoes into a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until they are fork-tender and caramelized—like little edible treasures.

Step 6: Add Marshmallow Topping

If you’re feeling extra indulgent (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), sprinkle marshmallows on top during those last few minutes of baking until they melt slightly and turn golden brown. It creates an ooey-gooey topping that’ll have everyone begging for more.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking dish for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy those candied sweet potatoes while basking in compliments!

With this guide on how to make candied sweet potatoes, you’ll impress family and friends alike—a surefire way to elevate any meal into an unforgettable experience! Happy cooking!

You Must Know About Candied Sweet Potatoes

This showstopping Candied Sweet Potatoes delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even pieces. Boil them briefly for optimal tenderness before transferring them to a baking dish, where you’ll drizzle your heavenly glaze. Finally, roast until caramelized and deliciously golden.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out brown sugar for maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little kick or sprinkle in some chopped pecans for crunch. Your taste buds deserve the royal treatment!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave them if you’re in a rush.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Candied Sweet Potatoes

This professional-quality Candied Sweet Potatoes relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

I remember the first time I made Candied Sweet Potatoes for my family; they devoured them so quickly that I barely got a second helping! Their delighted faces were priceless and made all the effort worthwhile.

FAQs

What is Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Candied sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish made by cooking sweet potatoes in a sugary syrup. This syrup often consists of brown sugar, butter, and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. The result is a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. Traditionally served during holidays like Thanksgiving, they can also be enjoyed year-round. The texture becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully, making candied sweet potatoes a favorite for many.

How do you make Candied Sweet Potatoes?

To make candied sweet potatoes, start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into even rounds. Then, place them in a baking dish. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and spices over low heat until melted. Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until tender. For an extra touch, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes to allow a caramelized topping to form.

Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can use different varieties of sweet potatoes for candied sweet potatoes. While orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are most common due to their sweetness and creaminess, purple or white-fleshed varieties can also work well. Each type will yield slightly different flavors and textures but will still deliver that delightful sweetness when cooked with sugar and butter.

What are some variations of Candied Sweet Potatoes?

There are numerous delicious variations of candied sweet potatoes. You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch or include marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey treat. Some recipes even incorporate orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist. Experimenting with spices such as ginger or cloves can also enhance the flavor profile of your candied sweet potatoes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, candied sweet potatoes offer a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth that enhances any meal. With their simple preparation methods and potential variations, they remain a popular choice among home cooks. From holidays to family dinners, these dishes bring comfort and joy to the table. Whether you stick to traditional recipes or explore new flavor combinations, incorporating candied sweet potatoes into your meals is sure to impress everyone around you.