Description
A classic Southern recipe featuring tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery, and spiced brown sugar glaze with a hint of orange juice for bright flavor. These candied sweet potatoes are perfectly soft and caramelized, making them an ideal side dish for holiday meals or comforting dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced about 1/2 inch thick)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Syrup
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes flat in a 13×9-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon salt to enhance their natural sweetness, then set the dish aside.
- Make the Syrup: In a heavy-duty saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the butter is fully melted and the sugars dissolve into a smooth mixture. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange juice to add brightness.
- Combine and Cover: Pour the warm syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is coated. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during the initial baking phase.
- Bake Covered: Bake the sweet potatoes covered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to help them soften while absorbing the syrup flavors.
- Stir and Uncover: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, remove the foil, and stir the sweet potatoes gently to redistribute the syrup and prevent sticking. Return the dish to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow the candied sweet potatoes to cool slightly before serving. This allows the syrup to thicken and enhances the flavors. Enjoy as a warm, sweet side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes and slice uniformly for even cooking.
- Adjust the spices according to taste or add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; the flavors often improve overnight.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
