Description
Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Southern classic—Candied Sweet Potatoes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 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
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sweet potatoes will cook evenly once placed in the oven. While the oven is heating up, go ahead and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to create a non-stick surface for the candied masterpiece that’s about to unfold.
- Next, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Keeping the slices consistent in thickness is crucial, as this will help them cook evenly. Arrange the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly to fit all of them in without too much fuss.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the water. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mix. For an added warm flavor, consider including the optional ground cloves or ginger. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture bubbles gently, creating a luscious glaze.
- After the glaze has reached a bubbling point, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. This step adds an aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Carefully pour the warm glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potato slices in the baking dish. Make sure to cover them thoroughly to ensure that every piece absorbs the sweetness of the glaze during baking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Allow the sweet potatoes to bake for about 45 minutes. This initial baking step softens the potatoes perfectly, preparing them for the final caramelized touch.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, make sure to baste the sweet potatoes once or twice with the glaze to enhance their flavor and promote caramelization. You’ll know they’re ready when the glaze thickens beautifully and takes on a rich, luscious appearance.
- Once finished, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the Candied Sweet Potatoes to rest for about 10 minutes. This brief resting period helps the glaze set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
Nutritional Information: 280 calories; 2g protein; 200mg sodium.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 2 g