Candied Sweet Potatoes

Every Thanksgiving, my grandmother pulls out her old baking dish and makes this. Nobody leaves the table until it’s gone. It’s not a side dish. It’s the whole reason we show up.

These sweet potatoes are soft and caramelized and topped with a sticky brown sugar glaze. They taste like fall in every bite. Sweet but not too sweet. Warm and comforting, like a hug from someone you love. The edges get crispy and bubbly in the oven. That’s the best part.

I was scared to make it myself at first. My grandmother smiled and said it was easier than I thought. She was right. Now I make it every year, and my own kids ask for it at dinner. I’m passing down more than a recipe. I’m passing down a memory.

Just sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and a little time in the oven. That’s all it takes to become a legend at the table.

Let’s make some tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Favorite: A reader recently shared, “This is the only sweet potato dish my family requests every year.”
• Rich and Comforting: Layers of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a warm, aromatic dish that fills your kitchen with wonderful smells.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare up to a day ahead and reheat before serving.
• Crowd Pleaser: Works beautifully for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes enough candied sweet potatoes to serve 8 people as a side dish. If your family loves them as much as most do, you might want to double the recipe.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but elegant enough to impress at any table.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Sharp vegetable peeler
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small saucepan (optional, for extra topping)
• Fork or knife to test doneness

Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish together:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
• 2 tablespoons water

Variations for Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Add Pecans: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and deeper flavor.
• Use Honey: Replace maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Skip the Rosemary: If fresh herbs aren’t your style, omit it and focus on the warm spices.
• Add Bourbon: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon for an adults-only version with sophisticated depth.
• Double the Orange: Use more orange zest and add a splash of fresh orange juice for brightness.
• Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Brown Butter Version: Brown the butter before mixing for a nutty, rich flavor.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Potatoes

Wash the sweet potatoes under cool running water and pat them dry. Peel them with a vegetable peeler, then cut them into thin round slices about 1/4 inch thick. Placing them in a large mixing bowl as you work keeps everything organized.

2. Create the Sweetening Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, maple syrup, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, orange zest, chopped fresh rosemary, and flaky sea salt. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined and forms a smooth paste.

3. Layer Everything Together

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly butter the bottom. Spread about one-third of your sliced sweet potatoes in an even layer across the dish. Spoon one-third of the butter mixture over the potatoes, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with the butter mixture on top.

4. Add Moisture and Cover

Pour the water around the edges of the dish. This creates steam that helps the potatoes cook evenly and become tender. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Bake Until Tender

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The potatoes should become fork-tender and the liquid should be bubbling at the edges. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes to allow the top to develop a light golden color.

6. Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes

This versatile dish works wonderfully in many settings. Serve it as a classic holiday side dish alongside roasted turkey or ham. Spoon it into bowls as a warm dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Layer it in a breakfast parfait with Greek yogurt and granola for something unexpected. Use it as a topping for roasted chicken or pork. It even pairs beautifully with vanilla cheesecake on Thanksgiving.

Storing Candied Sweet Potatoes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it wonderful to prepare ahead. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325-degree oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, though the oven method preserves texture better. The dish freezes well for up to 2 months when stored in a freezer-safe container.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Choose the Right Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly. Very large potatoes may take longer to become tender.

Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest adds brightness and prevents the dish from tasting too heavy or one-note.

Fresh Versus Dried Rosemary: Fresh rosemary provides a more delicate herbal note, while dried rosemary offers stronger flavor. Start with the fresh version if new to this combination.

Slice Evenly: Consistent slice thickness ensures even cooking. A mandoline slicer works beautifully if you have one, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Test for Doneness: Pierce the thickest potato slice with a fork. It should slide through easily without resistance.

Don’t Overcook: Sweet potatoes can become mushy if baked too long. Check them at 35 minutes and adjust if needed.

Make It Ahead: Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	245
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	85mg
Total Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	32g
Protein	2g
Vitamin A	340% DV
Vitamin C	18% DV
Potassium	12% DV
Iron	4% DV

Candied Sweet Potatoes FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, absolutely. Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since it starts from a cold state.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary? You can omit the rosemary entirely, or substitute with dried herbs like thyme or sage. You could also leave it out and let the warm spices be the star of the dish.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Fresh sweet potatoes work best for this recipe because they maintain better texture. If using canned, drain them well and reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes, as they’re already partially cooked.

How do I prevent my sweet potatoes from browning during prep? Once sliced, place the sweet potatoes in a bowl of cool water to prevent oxidation. Drain them well before layering into the baking dish.

Can this dish be frozen? Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and label it with the date. Reheat in a 325-degree oven until warmed through.

What can I serve this with? This works beautifully alongside roasted turkey, ham, pork chops, or roasted chicken. It’s also delicious served as a warm dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Why does my dish come out too watery? This usually happens when there’s too much moisture in the baking dish or if the oven temperature is too low. Make sure to bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to evaporate extra liquid.

Can I use brown sugar instead of maple syrup? You’ll need a liquid sweetener for this recipe. If you prefer not to use maple syrup, you can use honey, agave nectar, or even a mixture of molasses and water.

Conclusion

Candied sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish. They’re a celebration of warm spices, natural sweetness, and the kind of comfort food that brings families together. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, buttery brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates something that feels both familiar and special.

What makes this recipe particularly wonderful is how it comes together with ingredients most people already have in their pantry. There’s no need for fancy equipment or unusual ingredients. A sharp knife, a mixing bowl, and a baking dish are all you need to create something that tastes like it took hours of work.

Whether you’re preparing this for Thanksgiving dinner, a winter potluck, or simply because you want something warm and comforting on a cold evening, this recipe delivers. The flavors deepen and improve over time, making it perfect for preparing a day ahead. Leftovers are just as delicious, and the dish freezes beautifully for those moments when you want to enjoy that holiday feeling whenever you choose.

This recipe is an ideal addition to your regular cooking rotation because it’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for your most important celebrations.