If you crave a comforting, nostalgic side dish that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those timeless classics that brings families together, evoking memories of holiday dinners and cozy evenings. Sweet potatoes get gently baked in a luxuriously spiced maple and brown sugar glaze, creating tender slices with a glossy, flavorful coating that’s simply irresistible. If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and shines with rustic charm, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Every component is there for a reason: sweetness, spice, richness, and just the right hint of saltiness.
- Sweet potatoes (3.5 pounds): The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when baked.
- Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon): Just enough salt to enhance the sweet potato’s natural flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a silken, glossy glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): Brings deep, complex sweetness and a subtle woody note that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Combines with the maple syrup to give that classic candied texture and caramelized flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warms the dish with a fragrant, cozy spice note that’s essential for this traditional recipe.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle zing and depth, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps thin the sauce slightly for better coating without losing richness.
How to Make Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your sweet potatoes don’t stick and cook evenly to tender perfection. Then, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into half-inch thick rounds—thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to soak up all those luscious flavors. Toss them with kosher salt to gently season and enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Make the Magic Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter first—it’s the base that brings all the ingredients together. Whisk in the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger, and let the mixture boil gently for a couple of minutes. This step is crucial: as the sugar melts and the sauce thickens, all those flavors meld into a rich, velvety glaze. Remove from heat, stir in the water, and watch the magic happen as your sauce gains the perfect pourable consistency.
Step 3: Coat the Potatoes and Bake
Pour the slightly cooled glaze over your sliced sweet potatoes and toss everything until each piece is beautifully coated. Transfer this sweet medley into the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered, then give everything a stir to keep the glaze evenly distributed. Cover with foil and continue baking for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. This slow baking caramelizes the sugars and softens the potatoes until tender and glossy.
Step 4: Let the Sauce Set
Once baked, allow the dish to cool uncovered for at least 10 minutes. This resting time might seem tempting to skip, but it gives the glaze a chance to thicken and cling to the sweet potatoes, making every bite decadently sticky and flavorful. Trust me—waiting here pays off incredibly well.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also complements the sweet and spicy notes with their buttery flavor. Fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra cinnamon can brighten the presentation and aroma, making this classic dish feel a little more festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with savory mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or a juicy pork loin. The sweetness balances perfectly alongside rich gravies and hearty stuffing, rounding out traditional holiday meals or anytime dinners with a nostalgic flair.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit creative, serve the candied sweet potatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or layer them in a casserole dish with a sprinkling of marshmallows on top for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist. You can also elevate the dish by drizzling a bit of extra maple syrup or adding a dollop of whipped cinnamon butter when serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy those delicious bites again without compromising taste or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze before baking or shortly after cooking once cooled. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen sweet potatoes should be consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, but the oven method helps maintain that signature glaze and texture best.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in this Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
While you can substitute regular granulated sugar, brown sugar contributes molasses flavor and moisture that are key to the glaze’s richness and depth, so it’s highly recommended to stick to the original ingredient for the best taste.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes before baking?
For this recipe, peeling the sweet potatoes ensures a smooth texture and lets the glaze coat each slice evenly. However, if you prefer more fiber and texture, you could leave the skins on, but results will vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter alternative, and ensure your maple syrup is pure and free from any animal products to keep this classic recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
How thick should I cut the sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Half-inch thick slices are ideal—they hold their shape during baking but absorb the candied sauce beautifully. Thinner slices might become too mushy, while thicker ones may take longer to cook through evenly.
What’s the best way to prevent the dish from burning while baking?
Covering the baking dish with foil after the initial 20 minutes allows the sweet potatoes to steam and soften without burning the sugars. Also, stirring every 20 minutes keeps the glaze evenly distributed and prevents sticking or scorching.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about savoring a warm plate of this Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a delicious homage to tradition and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re gathering around the holiday table or just craving a little sweetness on a chilly evening, this recipe will bring joy and satisfy your craving for something familiar and heartwarming. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it a cherished part of your cooking repertoire!
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Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic Southern side dish featuring tender sweet potato slices baked in a rich, spiced maple syrup and brown sugar glaze. This recipe combines cinnamon and ginger for warm, comforting flavors that perfectly complement holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3.5 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5 medium-sized)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Syrup Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss well to evenly coat the potatoes with salt.
- Make the Syrup Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in maple syrup, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it boil gently without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon water to thin slightly.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Allow the syrup to cool just a bit, then pour it over the sliced sweet potatoes in the large bowl. Toss to ensure every slice is well coated with the sauce.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, stir the potatoes gently and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Continue baking for another 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes become tender and infused with the syrup.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool uncovered for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken and cling to the sweet potatoes, enhancing flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, try using pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup.
- Use fresh ginger powder instead of ground for a slightly different spice nuance.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, especially turkey or ham, making it perfect for holiday dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
