Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze is a vibrant and delightful dish that will not only warm your soul but also dazzle your taste buds. Imagine sweet potatoes, lovingly roasted until golden brown, then enveloped in a luscious glaze that’s as sweet as your favorite holiday memory.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy holiday gathering, where laughter and cheer fill the air. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish is the perfect accompaniment to any festive feast, promising smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks
- Its rich flavor profile combines sweetness with warm spices for an unforgettable experience
- The stunning visual appeal will have your guests reaching for their cameras before their forks
- This versatile dish pairs beautifully with savory mains or can shine on its own as a delicious side
When I first made this recipe for a holiday dinner, my family’s reactions were priceless. Everyone was so enamored with the sweet potatoes that they forgot to save room for dessert! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Aim for firm, smooth potatoes; they’ll roast beautifully and provide that sweet flavor we love.
- Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar depending on how deep you want that caramel flavor to be.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon gives the best warm spice notes that evoke holiday cheer.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that brightens the sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making the dish taste salty.
- Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking. Place them in a large bowl.
Create Your Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until combined and glossy.
Combine Everything Together: Pour your heavenly glaze over the chopped sweet potatoes. Toss gently to ensure each piece is coated with that sugary goodness.
Roast Until Perfectly Tender: Spread the sweet potato mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until tender and caramelized.
Add Pecans (Optional): If using pecans, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes in the last 10 minutes of roasting for added texture and flavor.
Serve & Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Watch as everyone gathers around for seconds—trust me, they will!
This Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze is not just a side; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia and warmth. So gather those dear ones around your table, serve up this beautiful dish, and watch as it becomes part of your family’s cherished holiday traditions! For more inspiration, check out this perfect side dishes recipe.
You Must Know
- Candied sweet potatoes with holiday glaze are not just a dish; they’re an experience
- The blend of sweet, caramelized goodness with warm spices creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist
- Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until tender. Then, sauté them in a skillet with the holiday glaze for maximum flavor absorption and caramelization.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap maple syrup for honey or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Personalizing this dish makes it even more delightful!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get the perfect texture, choose uniform-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking
- Don’t rush the caramelization process; it adds depth to flavors
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance warmth and comfort
I still remember the first time I made these candied sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving. My family’s delighted reactions made all the effort worth it, and my cousin still asks for them every holiday season!
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days when kept airtight.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything a day before and simply reheat before serving.
Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze is a festive side dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a rich, caramel-like glaze. This crowd-pleaser is infused with warm spices, making it the perfect addition to your holiday table. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it promises to delight your guests and become a cherished family tradition.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until glossy.
- Pour the glaze over sweet potatoes and toss gently to coat each piece.
- Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until tender and caramelized.
- If using pecans, add them during the last 10 minutes of roasting for added crunch.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 120g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg