Description
These sweet and spiced candied sweet potatoes are the ultimate holiday side dish. With warm spices, fresh orange juice, and buttery caramelized goodness, they’re perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Produce:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
Baking & Spices:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Drinks:
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Dairy:
- 4 oz butter (salted, cut into cubes)
Optional:
- 2 tsp orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices.
2. Make the Spiced Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the light and dark brown sugars, cinnamon, salt, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
- Pour the spiced sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the sauce in the dish. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the sauce thicken and caramelize slightly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with optional orange zest for added flavor and brightness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Texture Tip: For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce an extra 1-2 minutes on the stove before pouring over the sweet potatoes.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake just before serving.
- Add Toppings: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American