If you’re on the hunt for a holiday side dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, cozy, and just a little bit indulgent—you’re going to adore this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how these tender sweet potatoes soak up that buttery, maple-infused glaze, becoming caramelized little pockets of joy. When I first made these, my family went crazy for them, and I promise once you try it, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too. Let me walk you through exactly how to nail this classic comfort food every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a rich, complex sweetness that’s never overpowering.
Warm, Spiced Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring that cozy spice mix that feels just like a warm hug.
Simple, No-Fuss Prep: Every step is straightforward, making this recipe a breeze even for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s the holidays or a family dinner, this dish always wins hearts and plates.

The image shows a close-up of thick round slices of cooked sweet potatoes, layered with a shiny, sticky brown sauce that coats them evenly. The sweet potatoes are soft with a smooth texture, and the sauce looks rich and slightly glossy, pooling around the edges. Small sprigs of green rosemary lie scattered among the slices, adding a touch of color. A silver spoon holds a couple of the sticky sweet potato slices, lifting them slightly above the rest. The background is a white marbled texture that adds contrast and focus to the warm orange and brown tones of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Candied Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Side Dish, Holiday Sweet Potato Recipe, Caramelized Sweet Potatoes, Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends—you’ll notice how the butter and maple syrup melt into that brown sugar to create the perfect glaze for the sweet potatoes. When buying your sweet potatoes, look for firm ones with smooth skin, without any soft spots to ensure they cook up nicely.

Flat lay of fresh whole medium sweet potatoes with vibrant orange skin, a few small sticks of unsalted yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light amber pure maple syrup, another white ceramic bowl holding packed dark brown sugar, a white bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon, a white bowl with fine light brown ground nutmeg, a white bowl with pale beige ground ginger, a small white bowl with clear pure vanilla extract, a few fresh bright orange zest strips artfully arranged, a small pile of coarse flaky sea salt crystals, and a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Candied Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Side Dish, Holiday Sweet Potato Recipe, Caramelized Sweet Potatoes, Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized ones so they cook evenly and slice nicely.
Salt: Just a little to balance the sweetness and highlight the potatoes’ natural flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness in the recipe perfectly.
Water: Helps the sugar dissolve smoothly for that perfect syrupy glaze.
Pure Maple Syrup: I always recommend real maple syrup—the flavor is unbeatable.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark works, but I like dark for a deeper molasses flavor.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: Classic warming spices that bring that cozy, familiar vibe.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to round out the sweetness and spices beautifully.
Orange Zest (Optional): Adds a bright citrus note that really lifts the dish.
Chopped Fresh or Dried Rosemary and Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): Great for garnishing, adding a savory contrast and pretty finishing touch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making recipes my own, and this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is no exception—you can easily tweak it depending on what you’ve got on hand or what mood you’re in. Don’t be shy about customizing it!

Spice it Up: One year, I added a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick—it was surprisingly delightful!
Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top right before serving add amazing crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for coconut oil, and you’ve got a dairy-free delight.
Citrus Boost: Try substituting orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a fresh new twist.
Herb Garnishes: Fresh thyme or sage can replace rosemary for a different savory note.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Sweet Potatoes

First things first, peel those sweet potatoes and slice them into about ½-inch thick rounds. This thickness is key because it lets the potatoes cook through evenly without falling apart. I find that using a sharp knife really helps keep those slices uniform—which also makes for better cooking! Place the slices in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with salt, tossing gently to make sure every slice has a light, even coating.

Step 2: Whip Up That Glorious Sauce

Cut your butter stick in half—this little trick helps it melt faster and more evenly in the saucepan. Combine butter, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts, then stop stirring so it can reach a gentle boil. Let it bubble for 2 minutes—this thickens the sauce just enough to cling to your potatoes. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract (and orange zest, if you’re using it), and get ready to pour that sticky deliciousness all over the sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Coat and Bake with Love

Pour the warm sauce over the sweet potatoes and give everything a gentle toss to make sure those slices get fully coated. Bake in your 375°F (191°C) oven for about an hour. Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: stir the sweet potatoes every 20 minutes, and after the first stir, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. This helps the potatoes cook evenly without drying out or burning on the edges.

Step 4: Final Touches and Resting Time

When your timer goes off, take the dish out and sprinkle with fresh or dried rosemary and a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like that savory contrast. Let everything cool uncovered for around 10 minutes—the sauce will be thin right out of the oven but thickens up beautifully as it rests. Trust me, this wait is worth it!

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Pro Tips for Making Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Even Slices Make a Difference: Consistent ½-inch slices cook evenly, so your sweet potatoes won’t end up mushy or underdone.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring every 20 minutes prevents sugar from burning and helps the glaze coat every piece beautifully.
Use Quality Maple Syrup: The real deal adds unmatched depth, trust me—it’s worth the splurge.
Cover with Foil After 20 Minutes: This simple step keeps the potatoes moist and ensures even cooking without crispy edges unless you want them.

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling fresh rosemary right before serving because it adds a lovely piney aroma and a bit of color contrast that makes this dish pop on the plate. If you’re feeling fancy, flaky sea salt adds a subtle crunch and is a beautiful balance to the sweetness. Sometimes, I even toss a few toasted pecans on top just to mix textures—totally optional but so fun!

Side Dishes

This Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or baked ham during the holidays, but honestly, we enjoy it with simple grilled chicken or even a juicy pork chop any time of year. For a complete meal, toss a green salad or sautéed green beans on the side to lighten things up—those fresh veggies balance out the rich, sweet potatoes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I once ladled these candied sweet potatoes into individual ramekins topped with a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary for a festive look that wowed my dinner guests. For casual family dinners, a rustic wooden bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs always feels warm and inviting. You can even arrange the slices in a shallow serving tray for a beautiful layering effect that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a blessing with this recipe because it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle. I store mine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so it won’t be runny but instead beautifully sticky and rich.

Freezing

Freezing candied sweet potatoes works fairly well if you want to prep ahead for a big gathering. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently in the microwave or oven. In the microwave, I cover the container loosely with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the sweet potatoes tender and the glaze glossy.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

You can, but keep in mind regular potatoes won’t have the same natural sweetness or soft texture. The spices and maple syrup glaze won’t complement regular potatoes as well, so it’s best to stick to sweet potatoes for this candied version.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the sweet potatoes and sauce, toss everything together, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it the next day as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Why do I cover the dish after 20 minutes?

Covering the dish with foil helps the potatoes cook evenly by trapping moisture, preventing them from drying out or browning too much on the edges before they’re tender inside.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Thankfully, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for gluten-conscious eaters.
What does the orange zest do?

Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma that cuts through the sweetness and spices, creating a fresh, lively flavor that balances the dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. Every time I bring it to a gathering, I’m asked for the recipe—it’s that good! I hope you give it a try and find it as rewarding as I do. Trust me, once you make these, they won’t just be a side dish; they’ll be the star of your table.