Candied sweet potatoes are a tasty dish loved by many. They are sweet, soft, and full of flavor. Many people enjoy them during holidays or family meals. This article will share easy and delicious recipes you can try at home. You will also learn tips to make your candied sweet potatoes perfect every time.
What Are Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Candied sweet potatoes are sweet potatoes cooked with sugar and spices. The sugar melts and makes a sweet syrup. This syrup coats the sweet potatoes, making them shiny and tasty. Sometimes, people add butter, cinnamon, or orange zest. These add more flavor and make the dish even better.
Sweet potatoes are healthy. They have vitamins and fiber. When cooked with sugar, they become a sweet treat. This dish is simple but feels special.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here are common ingredients for candied sweet potatoes:
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into pieces)
- Brown sugar or dark brown sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Orange zest (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Ground ginger (optional)
You do not need all these ingredients. The basic recipe uses sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. The spices and extras make the dish more interesting.
How to Make Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is easy and tasty. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Boil the sweet potatoes for 10 minutes until they are soft but not mushy.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and place them in a baking dish.
- In a small pan, melt 1/2 cup of butter.
- Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour this sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Mix gently to coat all pieces.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are caramelized.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for a Better Candied Sweet Potato Dish
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best taste.
- Cut potatoes into even pieces for even cooking.
- Do not overcook; soft but firm is best.
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Add orange zest for a fresh twist.
- Try adding a little maple syrup for sweetness.
Southern Style Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern recipes often add vanilla and ground ginger. This gives a warm and spicy flavor. Here is a simple Southern version:
| Ingredient |
Amount |
| Sweet potatoes |
4 large, peeled and sliced |
| Butter |
1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar |
3/4 cup |
| Cinnamon |
1 tsp |
| Vanilla extract |
1 tsp |
| Ground ginger |
1/4 tsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange sweet potato slices in a baking dish.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes to caramelize.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Ahead
You can prepare candied sweet potatoes one day before serving. Here is how:
Step 1: Cook And Assemble
Follow your recipe until the baking step. Make sure potatoes are tender but not soft.
Step 2: Cool And Cover
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 3: Refrigerate
Put the dish in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will get better over time.
Step 4: Reheat
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. You can also warm on the stovetop gently. Stir before serving to melt the butter.
Why Not Boil Sweet Potatoes Before Baking?
Boiling sweet potatoes is optional. Boiling makes cooking faster. But it can remove some flavor and nutrients. Baking sweet potatoes without boiling makes a richer taste. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars.
If you want soft potatoes quickly, boil first. But for better flavor, bake or roast raw sweet potatoes.
Variations to Try
Here are some ideas to change your candied sweet potatoes:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice.
- Mix orange juice with sugar for a citrus syrup.
- Try coconut flakes on top for texture.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins A and C. They have fiber that helps digestion. They are good for your eyes and skin. Even with sugar, they provide energy and nutrients.
Remember to eat candied sweet potatoes in moderation. They are sweet and can have many calories.
Serving Suggestions
Candied sweet potatoes go well with many dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Serve with roasted chicken or turkey.
- Pair with grilled pork or beef.
- Add to holiday meals with stuffing and vegetables.
- Enjoy as a sweet side dish for family dinners.
Summary
Candied sweet potatoes are a sweet, soft, and tasty dish. They are easy to make with simple ingredients. You can bake, boil, or roast sweet potatoes. Adding sugar, butter, and spices makes them special.
Try different recipes and find your favorite. Make them ahead for holidays or busy days. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this classic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Candied Sweet Potatoes Be Made A Day Ahead?
Yes, candied sweet potatoes can be made a day ahead. Bake, cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving. This enhances flavors and saves time on your meal day.
Should You Boil Sweet Potatoes Before Baking?
Boiling sweet potatoes before baking is optional. Boiling speeds cooking but may reduce flavor and nutrients. Baking enhances sweetness and texture.
What Does Dr. Gundry Say About Eating Sweet Potatoes?
Dr. Gundry advises limiting sweet potatoes due to their high lectin content. He recommends peeling and cooking them thoroughly to reduce lectins. Sweet potatoes can fit a lectin-safe diet when prepared properly and eaten in moderation.
Are Candied Yams And Candied Sweet Potatoes The Same Thing?
Candied yams and candied sweet potatoes differ mainly in name. Most recipes use sweet potatoes, not true yams. True yams are starchy and less sweet, while sweet potatoes are softer and sweeter. In the U. S. , “yams” often refer to orange-fleshed sweet potatoes used in candied dishes.
