Sweet potato candied recipe is a dish that originated from the southern United States, where sweet potatoes are a staple crop. The dish is made by boiling or baking sweet potatoes and then coating them in a mixture of sugar, spices, and sometimes citrus juice. The result is a sweet and savory flavor that is both comforting and familiar.
As a home cook, I love making this recipe for my family because it’s easy to customize with different spices and flavorings, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes we may have on hand. My kids also enjoy helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe because they love getting their hands dirty with the sticky sugar mixture. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a regular Tuesday night.
It’s also a great way to get some extra nutrients into our diet, as sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s just plain delicious! One of the key techniques to making this recipe is to get the sweet potatoes nice and tender before adding the sugar mixture.
This can be done by boiling or baking them until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Then, once they’re coated in the sugar mixture, we let them cool completely before serving. This helps the sugar to set properly and prevents it from becoming too runny or sticky.
I’ve found that this recipe works well for family gatherings because everyone loves the sweet and savory flavors, and it’s easy to make in large quantities if needed. My family also loves how versatile this recipe is – we can serve it as a side dish, add it to salads, or even use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Overall, this sweet potato candied recipe is a staple in our household and I’m sure it will become one in yours too!
The health benefits of this recipe are numerous – sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune function. They’re also high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. And let’s not forget about all the antioxidants present in sweet potatoes that can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
4.9 from 923 votes
A delightful side dish featuring sweet potatoes coated in a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for holidays or family dinners.
2Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into 1/2-inch rounds.
3Place the sweet potato rounds in a large mixing bowl and toss with vegetable oil and salt until evenly coated.
4Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the rounds and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the sweet potatoes are tender.
6While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the glaze.
7In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
8Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper.
9Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
10Add the water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
11Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12Remove from heat and set aside.
13Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potato rounds.
14Use a spoon to gently toss the sweet potatoes until they are well coated with the glaze.
15Return the sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the sweet potatoes are caramelized.
16Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
17Serve the candied sweet potatoes warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
18Enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite main course.
Tips: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture.
This sweet potato candied recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a regular Tuesday night. It’s easy to customize with different spices and flavorings, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes we may have on hand.
Plus, it’s just plain delicious! When storing leftover candied sweet potatoes, be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto their surface to prevent drying out – this will help keep them fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Sweet Potatoes
Q: What type of sweet potatoes should I use for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use large, high-quality sweet potatoes that are firm but not hard to the touch. Avoid using small or deformed sweet potatoes as they may not cook evenly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and then letting them cool completely before coating them with the sugar mixture. However, keep in mind that the sugar mixture will become more runny if left out for too long.
Q: Can I adjust the amount of sugar to my taste?
A: Of course! If you prefer your candied sweet potatoes less sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe or omit it altogether if you prefer.
Q: How do I store leftover candied sweet potatoes?
A: Leftover candied sweet potatoes should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. When storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sweet potatoes to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I reheat leftover candied sweet potatoes?
A: Yes! Reheating leftover candied sweet potatoes is easy – simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave using short bursts of heat until warmed through.
These mince pies use ready-made puff pastry and jarred mincemeat for a quick and simple holiday treat. They come together in under 30 minutes with minimal effor…
This marinade delivers a tangy, spicy kick that clings to chicken wings, creating a crispy, flavorful crust when baked or grilled. It balances hot sauce, butter…
A delicious hot chicken sandwich recipe with a spicy kick. Crispy fried chicken breast, topped with a tangy spicy sauce, served on a toasted bun with fresh lett…
This hearty chicken corn soup is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dish, featuring a rich broth with tender chicken, sweet corn, and rivels. It is a comforting meal …
