Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Sweet and Sticky Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, comforting candied sweet potatoes dance between savory and sugary flavors that promise pure kitchen magic.

Russet-hued roots become delectable caramelized treats with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic side dish through generations of loving preparation.

Maple syrup and butter create a luscious glaze that coats each potato slice with rich, amber sweetness.

Cinnamon whispers gentle warmth throughout the dish, inviting memories of cozy family gatherings.

Simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary, turning humble sweet potatoes into a celebration of comfort.

You’ll want to experience this recipe that transforms ordinary vegetables into an irresistible culinary experience.

Sweet Glazed Potatoes: Why They’re Always a Hit

  • Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a delightful side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
  • Simplify Cooking: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a mouthwatering potato dish that looks and tastes impressive.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, this sweet glazed potato recipe appeals to kids and adults alike.

Gathering the Right Ingredients for Sweet Glazed Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the base for this sweet and comforting side dish.
Sweet Components:
  • Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Natural sweeteners that create a rich, caramelized glaze for the potatoes.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla: Aromatic ingredients that add warmth, depth, and richness to the potato dish.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and highlights the sweet flavors.

Easy Instructions for Sweet, Glossy Glazed Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to 350°F.

This will create the perfect environment for transforming your potatoes into a delectable side dish.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Potatoes

Grab your cutting board and slice the potatoes into even pieces.

Spread them out in a baking dish, ensuring they create an even layer that will soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create the Magical Glaze

Whip up the flavor-packed sauce by combining:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla extract

Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, rich mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Coat the Potatoes

Pour the glaze over the potato slices, gently tossing them to ensure every piece gets a generous coating of the sweet, spiced sauce.

Step 5: First Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let the potatoes bake for 45 minutes, allowing them to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Final Baking Burst

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the sauce to become bubbly and the potato edges to turn golden and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes.

This short resting period will help the sauce set and make the dish easier to serve.

Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering side that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Sweet Glazed Potato Tips for That Perfect Shine and Flavor

  • Cut potatoes into even, thin slices to ensure consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Adjust sugar levels to suit your taste, using less for a more savory dish or more for a dessert-like experience.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before final baking for added crunch and nutty richness.
  • Watch carefully during the uncovered baking stage to avoid caramelization turning into burnt edges.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the recipe's delicious glazed texture.

Try These Flavor Upgrades for Sweet Glazed Potatoes

  • Rustic Herbal Potatoes: Replace maple syrup with olive oil and add fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a savory Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Vegan Sweet Potato Variation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and add almond milk for creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Root Vegetable Remix: Substitute potatoes with roasted turnips or radishes, using same spice blend and reducing sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into sauce, then top with chopped cilantro for a bold, zesty alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Glazed Potatoes

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve these sweet glazed potatoes as a delightful side dish next to roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a heartwarming meal.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair these caramelized potatoes with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh herb garnish for a stunning weekend breakfast spread.
  • Holiday Showstopper: Present the potatoes in a beautiful ceramic dish, sprinkled with chopped pecans or candied walnuts for an elegant touch that will wow dinner guests.
  • Comfort Food Combo: Create a rustic comfort plate by placing the glazed potatoes alongside roasted chicken or pot roast, letting the sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly.

Storing Sweet Glazed Potatoes for Future Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring potatoes are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer potatoes to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
  • Warm refrigerated potatoes at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining original saucy texture.
  • Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various potato varieties like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

  • Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives.

  • How can I make the glaze more intense?

To enhance the glaze’s flavor, you can slightly increase the maple syrup or add a splash of bourbon for deeper complexity. Adjust to your taste preference.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet potato magic meets Southern comfort in this classic Candied Sweet Potatoes dish, blending caramelized sugars with tender potato slices. Butter-glazed and warmly spiced, this side brings soul-satisfying warmth to your holiday table that delights everyone around you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for roasting sweet potatoes.
  2. Layer potato slices evenly across a baking dish, ensuring uniform coverage.
  3. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking together butter, sugars, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Generously drizzle the prepared sauce over potato slices, gently tossing to achieve complete and even coating.
  5. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate potatoes during initial cooking phase for 45 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and return to oven, allowing potatoes to caramelize and sauce to transform into a rich, bubbling glaze for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  7. Allow the glazed potatoes to rest momentarily after removing from oven, letting flavors settle and sauce slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Swap sugars with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor complexity.
  • Use sweet potato varieties like garnet or jewel for deeper caramelization and richer natural sweetness.
  • Reduce butter and replace with olive oil for a heart-healthier version of this classic side dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern Cuisine

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 279 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 101 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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