Name: Delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes for Your Holiday Feast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 medium Sweet Potatoes (cut into 1-inch rounds); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (or coconut sugar for healthier choice); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice for a twist); 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (pinch for depth of flavor); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or almond extract for variation)

The aroma of melting butter mingling with sweet cinnamon instantly brings me back to holiday dinners filled with laughter and gratitude. That’s the magic behind these Candied Sweet Potatoes, a cherished side dish that effortlessly brings warmth to any festive table. Not only are they incredibly simple to prepare in under an hour, but their glossy, caramelized finish is a showstopper that complements your savory favorites perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas, these vegetarian delights offer a comforting balance of flavors that everyone will love. Curious how to create this sweet, buttery goodness? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are Candied Sweet Potatoes a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday cooks.

Rich, Buttery Flavor: With a delicious blend of sweet potatoes, buttery richness, and warm spices, each bite offers comfort and nostalgia.

Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfectly balances sweet and savory elements, complementing everything from turkey to stuffing for a well-rounded meal.

Flexible and Versatile: Easy to add personal touches with nuts or alternative spices, allowing creativity in your holiday cooking.

Eye-Catching Presentation: Glistening, caramelized sweet potatoes add a stunning visual appeal to your table, making them a standout dish.

These Candied Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate festive side dish that everyone will crave. If you’re looking for more delightful ideas, try pairing them with my Sweet Sausage Muffins for a complete holiday feast!

Candied Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

Get ready to create a holiday masterpiece with these delightful Candied Sweet Potatoes!

For the Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Make sure to cut them into 1-inch rounds for even cooking!

For the Sweetening and Flavoring

Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and aids in caramelization. Swap with coconut oil for a tasty dairy-free option!
Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness; consider using coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
Brown Sugar – Packed for that delicious caramel flavor, this is essential for the perfect sweetness.
Cinnamon – Brings warm spice notes; try pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist if desired.
Nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon; add a pinch for depth of flavor.
Salt – Balances sweetness overall; feel free to use kosher salt or omit for a lower sodium version.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates sweetness and enhances flavor; almond extract is a lovely alternative for a different touch.

These ingredients combine beautifully to create Candied Sweet Potatoes that’ll be the highlight of your holiday feast!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt slowly, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown. The butter should be completely melted before you add the sweet potatoes, giving it a rich, inviting aroma that sets the stage for your Candied Sweet Potatoes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once the butter is melted, carefully add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir the mixture to combine, letting the sweet potatoes absorb the butter and sugars, creating a sweet, fragrant base for your dish.

Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, reduce the heat back to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the sweet potatoes to cook for about 40 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes. The sweet potatoes should become tender and start to caramelize, providing a beautiful golden color.

Step 4: Check for Tenderness
After 40 minutes, remove the lid and use a fork to check if the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If they are not yet soft, cover and continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes. The goal is for them to be tender and easily pierced, allowing all the flavors in your Candied Sweet Potatoes to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness and flavor profile. Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of minutes, as it will thicken and become syrupy, creating that signature glaze that makes this dish so irresistible.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your stunning Candied Sweet Potatoes to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. The sweet, glossy glaze should glisten invitingly, making them an eye-catching centerpiece for any holiday table. Enjoy this delightful and delectable side dish with your favorite savory mains, creating a feast to remember!

What to Serve with Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Indulge your taste buds and elevate your holiday feast with delightful pairings that bring out the best in sweet and savory flavors.

Roast Turkey: The perfect centerpiece! Juicy, herb-infused turkey complements the sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Savory Stuffing: A classic pairing, stuffing offers a hearty contrast to the candied sweet potatoes, absorbing their sweet glaze for an unforgettable bite.
Glazed Ham: The saltiness of a honey-glazed ham provides a delightful counterpoint to the sugary sweet potatoes, making each mouthful memorable.
Green Bean Casserole: The crispiness of the green beans perfectly balances the soft sweetness of the potatoes. Together, they create a colorful, inviting plate.
Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness, brightening up the dish and adding a refreshing twist to your festive meal.
Pecan Pie: For dessert, the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie beautifully echo the caramelized notes of sweet potatoes, rounding off the feast on a sweet note.
Sweet Tea or Apple Cider: Sip on sweet tea or warm apple cider to enhance the flavors of your holiday spread, creating a refreshing palette pleaser throughout the meal.

Crafting the perfect holiday menu has never been easier! Each of these options helps to elevate the sweet, buttery goodness of candied sweet potatoes, ensuring a feast that brings warmth and joy to your celebration.

Make Ahead Options

These Candied Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can peel and slice the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, you can measure out the butter, sugars, and spices and keep them in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, drain the sweet potatoes and proceed with melting the butter and mixing the ingredients in the skillet. With these make-ahead steps, you’ll enjoy the same delicious caramelized flavor with minimal effort, making your holiday meal preparations a breeze!

Candied Sweet Potatoes Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the sweet potatoes. The nutty flavor enhances the richness of this holiday dish beautifully.
Spice Twist: Try adding ginger or allspice to the mix for a warming kick. This can bring a new depth of flavor that surprises and delights everyone at the table.
Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, substitute some of the butter with coconut cream. This change introduces a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes.
Heat Factor: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that balances out the sweet flavors. Just a little will ignite the palate without overpowering the dish.
Brown Sugar Option: Switch brown sugar for maple syrup for a more earthy sweetness. This swap provides a lovely, aromatic flavor that will make each bite memorable.
Bourbon-Infused: Drizzle a touch of bourbon over the sweet potatoes before serving. It adds a complex flavor that amplifies the festive feel. Just a teaspoon will do!
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a bit of orange zest into the mixture for a fresh, bright flavor profile. This can help cut through the richness and create a well-balanced dish.
Broil Finish: For an extra caramelized edge, give the sweet potatoes a brief broil at the end of cooking. A few minutes under the broiler will create a bubbly, golden top that’s simply irresistible.

These variations open up exciting possibilities for your holiday gatherings. And if you love a good twist, don’t forget to check out my Sweet Coconut Cream Pancakes for an incredible breakfast or brunch option!

Expert Tips for Candied Sweet Potatoes

Uniform Slices: Ensure sweet potato slices are uniform (1-inch thick) for even cooking; thicker pieces may remain undercooked, while thinner ones can burn.
Gentle Stirring: Stir gently to avoid breaking the sweet potatoes during cooking; you want them tender but intact for presentation and texture.
Fresh is Best: Make this dish fresh on the day of serving; while leftovers can be stored, the taste and texture of candied sweet potatoes are best enjoyed right away.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar amounts to suit your taste; use less if you prefer a more natural flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Garnish Ideas: Add avocado for creaminess, or sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch that beautifully complements the sweet potatoes.

How to Store and Freeze Candied Sweet Potatoes

Fridge: Store leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Candied Sweet Potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Ensure they’re safely packed to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a covered dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through and syrupy.
Freshness Tip: While these sweet potatoes can be stored, they taste best when enjoyed fresh on the day of preparation.

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and smooth, with no dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be a rich, even color without any soft spots, which can indicate over-ripeness. Ideally, opt for medium-sized ones, as they tend to have a better flavor and texture for candied recipes.

How should I store leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Leftover Candied Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to preserve freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a covered dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

Can I freeze Candied Sweet Potatoes? How?
Yes, you can freeze your Candied Sweet Potatoes! First, allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe container, pressing them down gently to remove air pockets, and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

What should I do if my sweet potatoes are mushy when cooked?
Very! If your sweet potatoes become mushy, it may be due to overcooking. To avoid this, ensure your slices are uniform and about 1-inch thick so they cook evenly. If you find they are mushy, serve them as a sweet potato mash instead! Just stir gently and enjoy the flavors, even if the texture isn’t as intact.

Are Candied Sweet Potatoes suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Of course! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and by using butter alternatives like coconut oil, you can make it dairy-free. If you have a nut allergy, just skip the nuts in the optional toppings. Always check the packaging of your sugars and extracts to ensure they meet your dietary needs, as some brands may include allergens.