Candied sweet potatoes are a classic side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to any meal, especially during holiday gatherings. This recipe combines tender sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and spices, creating a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- Marshmallows (optional, for topping)
How to make Candied Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Make the Candied Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss to coat.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
- Pour water into the baking dish around the sweet potatoes.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Optional Topping:
- If desired, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking and add a layer of marshmallows on top. Return to the oven until marshmallows are golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Spoon any remaining syrup from the baking dish over the sweet potatoes.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: Provide natural sweetness and a tender texture when baked.
- Brown Sugar: Melts into a rich syrup that coats the sweet potatoes, adding caramel-like flavor.
- Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a glossy coating on the sweet potatoes.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Infuse warm, spicy notes that complement the sweet flavor of the dish.
- Marshmallows (optional): Add a sweet and gooey topping that makes this dish even more indulgent, perfect for special occasions.
These candied sweet potatoes are a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal where you want to add a touch of sweetness. Follow this easy recipe for a dish that will be loved by everyone at the table.