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
