If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday side dish, this Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze is exactly what you need. Tender slices of sweet potatoes are baked in a rich buttery brown sugar glaze until perfectly caramelized, creating a comforting dish that’s sweet, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

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This classic recipe has been a favorite on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables for generations. The sweet potatoes become soft and silky while the homemade glaze transforms into a thick, glossy sauce that coats every bite. The combination of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a warm flavor that’s perfect for special occasions and family dinners.

Unlike overly complicated holiday recipes, these candied sweet potatoes are surprisingly easy to prepare. A few simple ingredients come together to create a side dish that looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy comfort food recipe, this dish always delivers.

The best part is that you can easily customize the recipe with pecans, marshmallows, or extra spices to make it your own. No matter how you serve them, these sweet potatoes are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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Flavor Highlights

This recipe combines naturally sweet potatoes with a rich brown sugar glaze that becomes thick and caramel-like as it bakes. Butter adds richness while cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth and depth. The result is a perfectly balanced side dish that is sweet without being overwhelming and comforting without feeling heavy.

Jump to Section

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Recipe Variations
• Expert Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Holiday Side Dish Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Best Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Perfect holiday side dish. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and family gatherings.
• Rich homemade glaze. The buttery brown sugar sauce creates incredible flavor and texture.
• Easy preparation. Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Customizable. Add marshmallows, pecans, or extra spices to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead friendly. Prepare in advance and reheat when needed.
• Crowd favorite. A classic comfort food that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Note: Please see the recipe card directly below for the complete ingredient measurements and nutritional information.

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Sweet Potatoes

The star ingredient. Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.

Unsalted Butter

Provides richness and helps create the luxurious glaze.

Brown Sugar

Creates the signature caramel flavor and beautiful glossy coating.

Maple Syrup

Adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Ground Cinnamon

Brings warmth and classic holiday flavor.

Vanilla Extract

Enhances the caramel notes and rounds out the sweetness.

Salt

A small amount balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor.

Optional Toppings

Mini marshmallows or chopped pecans can be added for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Note: Please see the recipe card directly below for the complete written instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds approximately ½-inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Partially Cook

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the sweet potato slices for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain carefully.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the sweet potato slices in an even layer.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

Remove the glaze from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Assemble

Pour the warm glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure every slice is coated.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Spoon some of the glaze over the potatoes and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Step 8: Optional Toppings

If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the top during the last few minutes of baking. For pecans, add them during the final 10 minutes.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before serving. Spoon extra glaze over the top for maximum flavor.

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Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Marshmallow Topping

For a classic holiday version, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the sweet potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking until golden and lightly toasted.

Pecan Candied Sweet Potatoes

Add chopped pecans during the final 10 minutes of baking for a delicious crunchy texture.

Extra Maple Flavor

Increase the maple syrup slightly for a deeper, richer sweetness.

Spiced Version

Add nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice for even more warm holiday flavor.

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Mix a tablespoon of fresh orange juice into the glaze for a bright citrus twist.

Expert Tips for Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Do not overcook the potatoes during the boiling step. They should still be slightly firm.
• Use real butter for the richest flavor.
• Allow the glaze to simmer briefly before pouring it over the potatoes.
• Baste the sweet potatoes with glaze halfway through baking.
• If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it.
• For extra caramelization, bake uncovered during the final portion of cooking.

Storage and Reheating

This recipe stores beautifully and can even be prepared ahead for holiday meals.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze fully cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions as needed.

Make Ahead Instructions

Assemble the sweet potatoes and glaze one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for More Comfort Food Side Dishes? Try These:

• Southern Sweet Potato Pie
• Cabbage and Sausage Skillet Recipe
• Easy Southern Potato Salad
• The Best Coleslaw Recipe

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Candied Sweet Potatoes

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Thanksgiving

Cuisine American

Keyword Candied Sweet Potatoes, Comfort Food, Holiday Recipe, Sweet Potatoes, Thanksgiving Side Dish

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Servings 8 servings

Calories 220kcal

Tender sweet potatoes coated in a glossy, caramelized brown sugar maple sauce, perfect for holiday dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

  

Candied Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

• 3 pounds Sweet potatoes About 3 medium sweet potatoes
• 6 tablespoons Butter Unsalted butter for best flavor
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar Packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon For warmth and flavor
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Adds depth to the sauce
• a pinch Nutmeg Optional for added flavor
• Pecans or mini marshmallows (for topping) Optional finishing touches

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Instructions

 

Preparation

• Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
• Simmer the slices in a pot of lightly salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes until slightly tender.
• Drain the sweet potatoes carefully and let them sit for a minute to steam off excess water.
• Prepare a 9 by 13 baking dish by lightly buttering it.
• Spread the sweet potatoes evenly in the baking dish.

Make the Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat.
• Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until mostly dissolved and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Baking

• Pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, spoon some sauce over the top and return uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Serving

• For a crunchy texture, sprinkle pecans on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Add mini marshmallows for the last 5 minutes if desired.
• Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

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Note

This recipe is forgiving; even if the slices aren’t perfect, it will turn out deliciously. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Keyword Candied Sweet Potatoes, Comfort Food, Holiday Recipe, Sweet Potatoes, Thanksgiving Side Dish