It’s that time of year when the air turns crisp, and the tables overflow with festive delights. Picture this: a warm, inviting dish of Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze, glistening with a sweet syrup that dances across your taste buds like a holiday jingle. The aroma wafts through the house, wrapping everyone in a cozy embrace, promising deliciousness at every forkful.
As you gather around the dinner table, this dish doesn’t just fill bellies; it fills hearts with memories. Each bite takes you back to family gatherings where laughter is abundant and stories flow as freely as the gravy. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast, bringing excitement to your plate and making every meal feel like a celebration. For more inspiration, check out this holiday dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for holiday feasts
- The rich flavor profile brings warmth and sweetness, delighting everyone at the table
- Its vibrant colors create visual appeal that’ll make your guests’ mouths water
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds
I still remember the first time I brought Candied Sweet Potatoes to a family gathering—my Aunt Margaret’s eyes widened in glee as she took her first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant sweet potatoes for optimal sweetness and texture; they’re the star of the show here.
- Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for added depth; it caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to better control the saltiness while adding rich flavor.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon elevates the flavors with its warm notes; sprinkle generously for extra comfort.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds an aromatic twist that complements sweet potatoes perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances sweetness and adds warmth; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Pecans (optional): Toasted pecans provide crunch and richness; feel free to add if you’re feeling fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting sweet potatoes into even-sized chunks. Aim for about one-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
Boil Until Tender: Place sweet potato chunks in a pot of water over medium heat. Boil until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes; they should be soft but not mushy.
Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth—lumps are not invited to this party.
Create Your Glaze: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until bubbly. This glaze will be your secret weapon of flavor!
Toss Everything Together: Pour the glaze over mashed sweet potatoes and mix thoroughly until everything is well combined; no patchy spots allowed!
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until golden brown on top; keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Now you’re all set! Enjoy serving up this delightful dish that will surely steal the spotlight at any gathering!
You Must Know
- The secret to a stunning candied sweet potato holiday glaze is balancing sweetness and spice
- The vibrant colors and aromas create a festive atmosphere that’s sure to impress your guests
- Perfect for Thanksgiving but delightful any time you’re craving comfort food
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until tender, then sauté them in butter and your holiday glaze for rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out brown sugar for maple syrup or add nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning
- Adding a splash of orange juice brightens the glaze beautifully
Sometimes I whip up this candied sweet potato holiday glaze just to relive those warm family gatherings filled with laughter and joy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for the candied sweet potato holiday glaze?
For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner ideas recipe.
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
What spices pair well with the candied sweet potato holiday glaze?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the flavors beautifully.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can last up to four days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Candied Sweet Potato Holiday Glaze is a festive dish that brings warmth and sweetness to your holiday table. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this easy-to-make side dish will delight your guests and evoke cherished memories of family gatherings. Each bite is a perfect blend of tender sweet potatoes enveloped in a luscious glaze, making it an irresistible addition to Thanksgiving and any celebration.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Boil sweet potato chunks in a pot of water over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain.
- Mash the sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until bubbly.
- Pour the glaze over mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg