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Classic Oven-Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of thick-cut candied sweet potatoes glistening with rich brown syrup in a white bowl.

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Make easy, classic Southern candied sweet potatoes with a rich brown sugar glaze. This recipe is perfect for holiday meals or as a simple comfort food side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 cup miniature marshmallows for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil. If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the potatoes now.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the glaze is thick and bubbly.
  10. Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the water with maple syrup.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, you can boil the sweet potato slices for 5 minutes before arranging them in the baking dish.
  • To make this a casserole, use cubed sweet potatoes instead of slices and bake until tender before adding the topping.

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