Description
Candied Sweet Potatoes is a comforting, sweet side dish featuring tender slices of sweet potatoes baked to perfection in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe balances sweetness and spice, resulting in a luscious, caramelized topping that complements the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cloves or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into consistent rounds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the slices evenly in the prepared baking dish to maximize surface area for caramelization.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and optional ground cloves or ginger. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugars dissolve.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract, blending it thoroughly into the glaze for enhanced flavor depth.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated with the sugary mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This step softens the sweet potatoes and allows the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered and Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Baste the potatoes once or twice with the glaze to thicken and caramelize the topping to a glossy finish.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the candied sweet potatoes to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This lets the glaze set slightly, making serving easier and enhancing the flavor.
Notes
- Ensure sweet potato slices are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking.
- Optional spices like ground cloves or ginger add a warm, aromatic note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use a foil cover during the initial baking to prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out.
- Basting during the final bake enhances caramelization and glaze thickness.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the glaze thicken and flavors to settle.
