Seeking a sweet side to your favorite main? Check out these caramelized sweet potatoes.
For as long as I can remember, my family has served glazed sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving dinner. With a mouthwatering maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, this side isn’t just tasty—it’s tantalizing.
Since it’s so rich and sweet, it’s the perfect complement to salty dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes. And if your tribe is anything like mine, they’ll know that every good dinner needs a balance of both savory and sweet. That’s why glazed sweet potatoes come in clutch for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and more…
But unlike many holiday dishes, this one is simple to make. My aunt and I used to cut the sweet potatoes in half instead of chunks, which ended up taking longer to cook. But in this recipe, the taters are cut into half-inch pieces, which bake to golden brown perfection much more quickly.
Talk about the “star of the party.” Glazed sweet potatoes come out of the oven glistening like art and tasting like candy! Even the pickiest eaters can find something to love about this scrumptious side.
Candied yams vs. glazed sweet potatoes
There’s a myth floating around that sweet potatoes and yams are the same… but they’re not. In truth, yams are a totally different root vegetable. They’re less sweet, higher in starch, and much lighter in color. However, our recipe for Candied Yams uses sweet potatoes because they’re softer and sweeter than actual yams. So while there was a time when candied yams were actually yams, nowadays many recipes opt for sweet potatoes because of their superior texture and flavor. The main difference between these two recipes is that our candied yams also have cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and vanilla extract—offering a more elevated flavor profile than this simple maple and sugar recipe. Try both to see which you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled to room temperature, leftover glazed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. If you go this route, make sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until they’re completely warm.
Serving suggestions
Top your glazed sweet potatoes with roasted nuts and fresh parsley for a festive garnish. This dish is extraordinary alongside holiday classics like Air-Fryer Turkey Breast, Au Gratin Potatoes, Thanksgiving Salad, or Brussels Sprouts Casserole. I also think it pairs well with a Sparkling Holiday Champagne Sangria or Wine Spritzer, for the adults at your party.
Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes about 3 pounds, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cubed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar packed
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F.
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Place the sweet potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, tossing to coat evenly.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then remove from the heat. Stir in the maple syrup and sugar well.
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Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
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Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze is bubbly.
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Remove the dish from the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Nutrition
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