Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes: An Irresistible Side Dish for Every Table

Glossy, spiced rounds bring nostalgic warmth and effortless hosting joy to every meal.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Glossy, spiced rounds bring nostalgic warmth and effortless hosting joy to every meal.

Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Comfort Food Essential

Candied sweet potatoes are a beloved tradition on many holiday tables, prized for their tender, caramelized texture and glossy, spiced glaze. This dish, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor, makes an unforgettable impression whether served for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday meal. In this article, you’ll find the definitive candied sweet potatoes recipe, along with expert tips on substitutions, make-ahead instructions, and answers to the most common questions cooks have about this indispensable side dish.

Why You’ll Love These Candied Sweet Potatoes

Effortless preparation: Minimal prep and straightforward baking make this side dish perfect for busy holidays or any weeknight.
Deep, complex flavors: Maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of bourbon (optional) create a rich glaze without overwhelming sweetness.
Flexible and make-ahead friendly: Easily adaptable for different tastes and can be prepared in advance to ease hosting stress.

What Are Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Candied sweet potatoes are sweet potatoes that are peeled, sliced, and baked in a buttery, spiced glaze featuring brown sugar, maple syrup, and warming spices. During baking, the sauce reduces to a thick, sticky coating, enveloping each potato round in luscious sweetness. The result is a dish that is both luxurious and deeply comforting, balancing the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes with the aromatic notes of cinnamon, ginger, and a splash of bourbon for added complexity.

Ingredients for the Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes

Gather these ingredients for a classic, crowd-pleasing result:

Sweet potatoes: 3 lbs (about 5 medium), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons, melted
Maple syrup: 1/4 cup (or honey as an alternative)
Kosher salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg: Pinch (optional but highly recommended)
Bourbon: 2 teaspoons (entirely optional; see notes below for substitutions)

Essential Equipment

Large mixing bowl
13-by-9-inch casserole or baking dish
Sharp chef’s knife and vegetable peeler
Sturdy whisk
Oven preheated to 400ºF (204ºC)

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
Prepare the glaze: In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of water, kosher salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Add the bourbon at this stage if using for an extra layer of flavor.
Toss the sweet potatoes: Add the sweet potato rounds to the mixture. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Arrange in baking dish: Pour the coated sweet potatoes into a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish, spreading them into an even layer. Drizzle any glaze left in the bowl over the top.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to ensure even glazing and to help the sauce thicken. The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and the glaze is sticky and bubbling.
Rest before serving: Let the dish cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to thicken further and cling beautifully to each slice.

Expert Tips, Substitutions, and Variations

Bourbon alternatives: Use whiskey for a similar taste, substitute vanilla extract for non-alcoholic depth, or omit entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Honey instead of maple syrup: Honey can seamlessly replace maple syrup, still providing a luxurious sweetness with a slightly floral note.
Spice it up: For added warmth, consider a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or even a splash of orange zest.
Texture variations: Try topping with chopped pecans before baking for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Uniform slicing: Cutting sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds ensures even cooking and a pleasing presentation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Advance preparation: Bake the sweet potatoes as directed, then cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Place the sweet potatoes in a 350ºF (177ºC) oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. The glaze will soften and become glossy again during reheating.
Freezing: Although best enjoyed fresh, candied sweet potatoes can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Thanksgiving classic: Pairs beautifully with turkey, roasted meats, and classic stuffing.
Weeknight comfort: Enjoy with roasted chicken, pork chops, or as a vegetarian main with hearty grains.
Leftovers: Mash and fold into pancakes or use as a sweet addition to grain bowls.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per 1-cup Serving
Calories	Approx. 280
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	48g
Sugar	24g
Fiber	5g
Protein	2g
Sodium	580mg

*Nutritional values are approximate and may change depending on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s in the sauce for candied sweet potatoes?

The sauce is a blend of melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg. A splash of bourbon adds warmth and complexity, but can be left out or swapped for vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.

2. Can I substitute bourbon with something else?

Yes! Whiskey offers a comparable depth, or you can skip the alcohol altogether. Vanilla extract or orange juice offer a flavor boost without any spirits.

3. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely. Honey provides a similar sweetness and works as a seamless replacement for maple syrup.

4. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and bake as directed, cool fully, and store in the fridge. Reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes before serving to restore the glossy glaze.

5. Do I need to cover the potatoes while baking?

No. Baking uncovered allows the glaze to reduce and caramelize, resulting in the signature sticky coating. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning.

6. What other spices work in this recipe?

Experiment with allspice, cloves, or even a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. A bit of orange zest can brighten the flavor profile as well.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and glossy.

About the Recipe Author

This recipe was developed by a professionally trained chef and passionate bread baker. Her philosophy is rooted in home-cooked comfort with a creative twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, she’s searching for the world’s flakiest croissant and perfecting her sourdough technique.

Pro Tips for Success

Choose sweet potatoes that are uniform in size for even cooking and easy slicing.
Toss the potatoes thoroughly with the glaze for consistent coating—the sauce should cling to every piece.
Stir the dish every 15 minutes while baking to promote even caramelization and prevent the edges from burning.
If making ahead, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the chilled potatoes before reheating to maintain moisture.
For a nutty finish, sprinkle with toasted pecans just before serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: A classic with a pecan streusel and pillowy marshmallow topping for added texture and sweetness.
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes: Another hands-off method using cornstarch, orange juice, and pumpkin pie spice for a thick, creamy sauce.
Roasted Winter Squash Medley: For a savory spin, combine cubes of sweet potato, butternut squash, and apples with maple and sage.

Final Thoughts

Candied sweet potatoes offer a joyfully nostalgic touch to any meal, capturing the spirit of comfort and celebration. With a handful of pantry staples and a few expert tricks, you’ll master this crowd-pleasing classic in no time. Whether making it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight treat, this recipe promises fork-tender sweet potatoes in a shimmering, spiced glaze every time.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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