Description
This Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender sweet potato rounds baked in a rich, buttery syrup made with dark brown sugar, apple cider, and a hint of bourbon and cinnamon. The result is a sweet and savory side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds
Syrup
- 6 Tbsp. butter, plus more for greasing baking dish
- 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 3 Tbsp. bourbon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a little butter, brush a medium-sized baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the brown sugar, apple cider, bourbon (if using), and ground cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. This syrup will coat the sweet potatoes and caramelize as they bake.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the sweet potato rounds in layers inside the buttered baking dish. Season each layer with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once all potatoes are layered, pour the warm syrup evenly over the top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking helps steam the potatoes to tenderize them.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and stir the potatoes gently to coat them in the syrup. Continue baking uncovered for about 40 minutes more, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and beautifully glazed with the thickened caramel sauce.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon but keep the other ingredients the same.
- Use a good-quality apple cider to enhance the sweetness and depth of the syrup.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when ready.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- Sweet potatoes can be peeled and sliced a day in advance to save prep time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
