5 Delicious Candied Sweet Potato Recipes You'll Love

Indulging in the rich, sweet flavor of candied sweet potatoes can bring warmth and joy to any meal, whether it's a festive holiday dinner or a cozy Sunday supper. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with various sugary concoctions creates a versatile dish that can be both a star on the table or a delectable side. This blog post will guide you through five delightful candied sweet potato recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let's dive into these culinary delights:

1. Classic Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Starting with the basics, here’s a timeless recipe for Classic Glazed Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

1. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into ¹⁄₂-inch rounds.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar, water, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the sugar dissolves.
3. Layer the sweet potato slices in a baking dish and pour the sugar mixture over them.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to an hour, basting occasionally with the glaze.

🌟 Note: If the glaze begins to burn or caramelize too quickly, cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.

2. Maple Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes

For those who appreciate a touch of sophistication, here’s a recipe for Maple Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes:

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• ¹⁄₂ cup pure maple syrup
• ¹⁄₄ cup bourbon
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter
• Zest of 1 orange
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter, add bourbon, maple syrup, and orange zest, stirring until combined.
3. Add the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the glaze.
4. Simmer until the glaze thickens and potatoes are well-coated, about 5-10 minutes.

3. Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Nuts

If you’re looking for a recipe with added crunch, try Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Nuts:

• 4-5 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with honey, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Add nuts and roast for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

4. Spiced Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

This Spiced Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect for those who love a casserole with a twist:

• 4 sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• ¹⁄₃ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₃ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₃ cup melted butter
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cloves
• ¹⁄₂ cup mini marshmallows

Steps:

1. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with sugars, butter, and spices.
2. Spread into a casserole dish and top with marshmallows.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until marshmallows are golden brown.

🍂 Note: For a spicier version, you can add more cloves or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

5. Savory and Sweet Potato Coins

To bring a little balance to the sweetness, Savory and Sweet Potato Coins are an ideal choice:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into ¹⁄₄-inch rounds
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Brush both sides of sweet potato slices with the mixture and arrange on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

With these five deliciously diverse candied sweet potato recipes, you've got options for every occasion, from the traditional holiday feast to a simple weeknight dinner. Each recipe adds a unique twist to the sweet potato, showcasing its versatility and enhancing its natural flavors. Enjoy crafting these delightful dishes, and let your taste buds revel in the sweet, spiced, and sometimes savory adventures. Now, go ahead and impress your family and friends with these comforting, soul-warming dishes!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned ones, though the texture might differ slightly. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t like nuts in my sweet potato dish?

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If you prefer your sweet potatoes without nuts, you can simply omit them from the recipe. The dish will still be delicious!

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

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Absolutely! Most of these recipes can be prepared in advance, stored, and reheated. Just keep the garnishes, like nuts or marshmallows, fresh.

Are there any vegan options for these recipes?

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You can easily veganize these recipes by using plant-based alternatives for butter and honey or maple syrup instead of sugar glaze.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

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They are done when they are tender when poked with a fork. For baked recipes, check for a caramelized top; for boiled, look for them to be mashable.