Candied Sweet Potatoes

This is the last recipe for candied sweet potatoes you’ll ever need. In this dish, the potatoes are perfectly tender, and not cloyingly sweet. Rosemary and sorghum contribute enough bitterness and earthiness to balance out the sweetness, and a sprinkle of flaky salt is the perfect finishing touch. After baking, the caramel sauce becomes the perfect glaze consistency to drizzle over the sweet potatoes. 

This is dreamy as a Thanksgiving side dish, or as a hearty, crowd-pleasing treat with any celebratory fall or winter meal.

Candied Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• Sweet potatoes: Look for ones that don't have dents or blemishes on the outside.
• Dark brown sugar: We like the extra flavor of molasses and caramel that this type of brown sugar provides.
• Unsalted butter: To add richness to the sauce. If you use salted butter, omit the kosher salt.
• Sorghum syrup: Sorghum adds bitterness that balances the sweetness from the brown sugar. Use molasses if you don't have sorghum.
• Bourbon: Use vanilla extract if you don't have or don't want to use this spirit.
• Kosher salt: To balance some of the sweetness.
• Fresh rosemary: This herb adds a beautiful woody flavor.
• Ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg: The perfect trio of warming spices for sweet potatoes.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a hint of heat really elevates the sweetness of the overall dish.
• Pecan halves: For crunch, and a nod to the classic sweet potato casserole.
• Cooking spray: To coat the baking dish.
• Flaky sea salt: A final hint of salt just before you serve.

How To Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes deliver the same sweet, syrupy notes of sweet potato casserole, but they're far easier to make. Here's a brief outline of the recipe. The full recipe with step-by-step images is further below:

• Step 1. Make syrup: Stir together the brown sugar, butter, syrup, bourbon, salt, cinnamon, rosemary, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne in a medium saucepan and cook over medium for about 5 minutes. 
• Step 2. Add sweet potatoes and syrup to dish: Place the potatoes in a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour the brown sugar sauce over the potatoes and toss until they are evenly coated.
• Step 3. Bake sweet potatoes: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for about an hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
• Step 4. Garnish, and serve: Sprinkle evenly with pecans, and garnish with rosemary and flaky sea salt. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. 

How To Store Candied Sweet Potatoes

Refrigerate candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to one week. Do not freeze. Reheat any leftovers in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe Variations

If you prefer, swap out the bourbon in this recipe for vanilla extract. In place of sorghum syrup, you may use molasses.

And for a fancy riff on sweet potato casserole, dress up this dish by making a simple streusel topping and bake on top.

Can You Make Sweet Potatoes Ahead?

In this recipe, the potatoes and syrup can be made and combined in the baking dish and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking. 

How To Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes

Serve candied sweet potatoes at a Thanksgiving feast or any other special meal during the cooler months. It’s ideal alongside Brussels sprouts, turkey or ham, cranberry sauce—all the traditional fall fixings. 

Test Kitchen Tips

Don't skip the step of stirring the potatoes every 20 minutes during the baking process: It may be a hassle, but it is essential for helping them cook evenly in the glaze. 

More Thanksgiving Side Dishes

If you're planning your holiday sides, go ahead and take a look at these classic options next:

• Southern-Style Collard Greens
• Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows, Pecans, And Cornflakes
• Old-School Squash Casserole
• Easy Cauliflower Casserole
• Old-School Green Bean Casserole
• Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables With Spicy Pecan Topping
• Classic Cornbread Dressing

Additional reporting by Alesandra Dubin