Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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Why You’ll Love this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Why will you love this Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe? Because it’s a delightful blend of sweetness and comfort that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering dish.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single time, it brings smiles to my table. The rich, buttery syrup envelops the tender potatoes, creating a glaze that’s simply irresistible.

You won’t believe how easy it’s to prepare! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a side dish that complements any meal, from holiday feasts to cozy family dinners.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delicious treat!

Ingredients of Candied Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to making Candied Sweet Potatoes, the ingredients are just as important as the love and care you put into preparing them. This dish is all about creating that velvety, sweet glaze that hugs those tender potatoes so perfectly. Trust me, it doesn’t get much simpler than this, but the flavors are anything but basic.

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create such a comforting and indulgent side dish.

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe:

  • 1 (40 ounce) can yams or sweet potatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar works wonders)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup

Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a second. You might be wondering if you can swap out the dark corn syrup for something else. Well, I get it. Sometimes, you just want to use what you have on hand.

But let me tell you, that dark corn syrup is what gives these sweet potatoes their deep, rich sweetness and that beautiful glaze we all crave. If you absolutely must, you could try using light corn syrup, but just know it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.

And as for the brown sugar, while dark brown sugar is my go-to, light brown sugar will still do the trick. The key is to use what you love and what you have available. Cooking should be fun, right?

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

delicious candied sweet potatoes recipe

Alright, friends, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Candied Sweet Potatoes. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. It’s almost like giving your kitchen a warm hug in preparation for the sweet goodness that’s about to happen.

While that oven is getting nice and toasty, grab a saucepan and toss in 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, 1 cup of dark corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of butter (or margarine, if that’s your jam). Set it on medium heat, and stir until everything is all mixed up and starts bubbling away. Oh, the sweet smell of sugar and butter will have your mouth watering in no time.

Once your syrup has been bubbling for about 5 minutes—just enough time to contemplate what you’re going to serve with these heavenly potatoes—it’s time to take action. Grab a 13 x 9 pan and give it a good greasing so our sweet potatoes don’t stick.

Pour half of that luscious syrup into the bottom of the pan – it’s like laying the foundation for a sweet potato paradise. Now, here comes the fun part: arrange your drained yams or sweet potatoes over the syrup. Feel free to overlap them a bit; it’s not a beauty pageant; we’re going for flavor here.

Drizzle the rest of the syrup over the top and pop that pan into the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes and remember to baste those sweet potatoes frequently with the syrup. You want them to be well-glazed, almost as if they’re wearing a shiny coat of sweet goodness.

After about 20 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with an aroma that makes you feel like you’re in a cozy diner in the middle of fall. Take a moment to appreciate that delightful smell before you indulge.

The sweet potatoes will be tender, and the syrup will have created a beautiful glaze that hugs every bite. Serve them warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up. It’s a simple dish, but oh-so-satisfying, and trust me, you’ll be the hero of the dinner table. Enjoy!

Candied Sweet Potatoes Substitutions & Variations

After whipping up those delicious candied sweet potatoes, you might be wondering how to mix things up a bit. One of my favorite substitutions is using maple syrup instead of dark corn syrup for a rich, unique flavor.

You can also try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you’re looking for a twist, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

For a tropical flair, consider using coconut sugar and adding a splash of coconut milk. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, swap half the brown sugar for unsweetened applesauce.

Each of these variations can elevate your sweet potatoes and make them a standout dish at any meal!

What to Serve with Candied Sweet Potatoes

What pairs well with the sweetness of candied sweet potatoes? I love to serve them alongside savory dishes that balance their rich flavor.

For instance, roasted or grilled meats like ham or turkey create a delightful contrast. A juicy slice of ham, glazed or smoked, complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.

I also enjoy serving them with sautéed greens, like collard greens or green beans, which add a fresh, earthy note.

If you’re looking for a grain option, fluffy quinoa or wild rice can round out the meal nicely.

And don’t forget a tangy cranberry sauce; its acidity cuts through the sweetness, making every bite harmonious.

These combinations truly elevate the candied sweet potatoes to a new level!

Additional Tips & Notes

While preparing candied sweet potatoes, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind to enhance your dish.

First, I recommend using dark brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for extra depth, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste beautifully.

Be sure to keep an eye on the baking time; overcooking can make the sweet potatoes mushy. I like to baste them every 10 minutes to guarantee an even glaze.

If you prefer a more caramelized texture, consider broiling them for a couple of minutes at the end, but watch closely!

Finally, serving them warm makes all the difference. Enjoy your delicious creation!