Hey there, friends! With the holiday season knocking at our doors, there’s no better time to perfect my candied sweet potatoes recipe. These delightful, tender potatoes, coated with a touch of sweetness and warmth from spices, are a must-have on my family’s dinner table. I remember the first time I made these; I was trying to impress my in-laws and, believe me, it was a nervous endeavor! But with every bite, I saw smiles, and my confidence soared. So, let’s dive in and make these easy yet scrumptious candied sweet potatoes that everyone’s bound to enjoy. Before we start, you might also want to check out these Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes for something savory to balance out the sweetness!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Candied sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a sweet spot on your holiday table that everyone can agree on. Here’s why I’m sure you’ll love them:
Comfort in Every Bite: Sweet potatoes with butter and sugar are the perfect comfort food, like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.
Simple Ingredients: No need to spend a lot. Just a few pantry basics and fresh sweet potatoes are all you need.
Quick Prep: In just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it aside and focus on other holiday cooking tasks.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make thesecandied sweet potatoes:
- 6 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the buttery goodness.
Cooking the Potatoes
Grab your largest skillet (mine’s been my trusty companion for years) and heat it over medium-low. Melt the butter, and once it’s transformed into a golden pool, it’s time for the sweet potatoes to take a dip.
Mix in both the granulated and brown sugars, spices, and stir gently. Remember the patience it took to make your first baking project? You’ll need some of that now—gently stir! Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and let the magic happen for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once your sweet potatoes are fork-tender and you’ve checked them 2 or 3 times without letting them fall apart, it’s time to add the pinch of salt and vanilla. Give it one last tender stir, and you’re ready to serve!
Recipe tips & variations
- Spice It Up: You can add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of ginger for a little twist.
- Nutty Twists: Sprinkling some chopped pecans at the end provides a nice crunch and adds extra flair.
- Keep It Light: For a slightly lighter version, swap out half of the sugar for honey.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftovercandied sweet potatoesin an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven for that just-cooked feel, or zap them quickly in the microwave when you’re in a rush. They make for an excellent quick snack or an add-on for any meal.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day before and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, yams and sweet potatoes can be used interchangeably, but their taste and texture may differ a little.
Are candied sweet potatoes healthy?
They should be eaten in moderation because they have a lot of sugar, but sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and fiber.
Can I freeze candied sweet potatoes?
It’s not recommended because freezing can change their texture when reheated.
Recipes you may like
Looking for more tasty ideas to impress? Check these out:
- Breakfast Potatoes Recipe: Easy & Crispy
- Breakfast Pizza Recipe: Easy & Cheesy
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes
Happy cooking, and may your holiday meals be as heartwarming as your company!
Print
Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Delightful candied sweet potatoes recipe perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 6 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into even pieces.
- Grab your largest skillet and heat it over medium-low. Melt the butter, and once it’s transformed into a golden pool, add the sweet potatoes.
- Mix in both the granulated and brown sugars, spices, and stir gently. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once sweet potatoes are fork-tender, add the pinch of salt and vanilla. Stir gently and serve.
Notes
- Can add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of ginger.
- Sprinkling some chopped pecans at the end provides extra flair.
- For a lighter version, swap out half of the sugar for honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup