Making homemade candied sweet potatoes brings such a joyful warmth to the kitchen. I still remember the first time I tasted this sweet, gooey goodness at a family dinner; it felt like a hug on a plate. This recipe is perfect for holidays or any time you want to elevate a meal with a touch of nostalgia and sweetness. It takes a bit of time, but the process is simple—trust me, your family will be raving about it.
The sweet potatoes become tender and caramelized, enveloped in a luscious sauce of brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices. It’s a festive side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or stands out on its own. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Why you’ll love homemade candied sweet potatoes
- Crowd-pleasure perfect for gatherings.
- Sweet and savory flavor balance.
- Cozy, comforting aroma fills your kitchen.
- Quick hands-on preparation; mostly passive cooking time.
- Easily made ahead for stress-free entertaining.
“Rich flavor, simple steps, and weeknight-fast — the kind of recipe everyone asks for again.”
What you’ll need for homemade candied sweet potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished potatoes for the best texture.
- Brown Sugar: Both light and dark will work, but dark provides a richer flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Grade A is lighter and milder; Grade B offers deeper flavor.
- Marshmallows: Optional, but they add an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
How do I make homemade candied sweet potatoes?
Making candied sweet potatoes is straightforward. You’ll blend sweet potatoes with a rich sauce and bake until tender and caramelized.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cubed sweet potatoes.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes until bubbling gently.
- Pour the sauce over the sweet potatoes. Toss until they are thoroughly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized at the edges.
- If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra indulgence.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tip: Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization.
How should I serve it?
These candied sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken. You can garnish with chopped pecans for a delightful crunch or a drizzle of additional maple syrup for added sweetness.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat until steaming hot for the best flavor and texture.
How do I fix common issues?
If your sweet potatoes turn out dry, it could be due to over-baking; check them earlier next time. If they’re bland, consider adding a pinch more salt or spices to enhance their natural flavor. Soggy potatoes can stem from too much sauce; ensure the sweet potatoes are well-coated but not sitting in a pool of liquid.
Tips for success
- Select sweet potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted before adding in the sugar mixture to ensure it integrates nicely.
- Stir gently but thoroughly when combining potatoes and sauce to avoid breaking them apart.
- Keep an eye on your potatoes; you want them tender but not mushy.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to mix things up! Try adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist. You can also incorporate a splash of bourbon or rum for a warm, festive flavor. For a nutty crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the mix before baking.
FAQs
Can you use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but they usually come pre-cooked. Adjust baking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or agave nectar, but note that they will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I freeze homemade candied sweet potatoes?
Yes, they freeze well. Just cool them completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat directly from the freezer, adjusting time as needed.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you enjoy the skins, feel free to leave them on for extra fiber and nutrients.
These homemade candied sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a heartfelt addition to any meal, bringing sweetness and warmth that everyone will adore. Enjoy!
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cubed sweet potatoes.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes until bubbling gently.
- Pour the sauce over the sweet potatoes. Toss until they are thoroughly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized at the edges.
- If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra indulgence.
- Serve warm, ideally paired with roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken.
I loved them. I didn’t have any maple sugar. I just left it out. The dish was delicious. Thank you for sharing. 😋