Sweet potatoes have an intrinsic charm that resonates with all seasons and palates. Their natural sweetness and earthy notes bring a sense of comfort and warmth to any meal. In this recipe, we explore the essence of oven candied sweet potatoes, the occasions they’re perfect for, and why the techniques involved are the secret to their success.
The heart of oven candied sweet potatoes lies in the glaze. A blend of melted butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and a touch of black pepper forms a glaze that creates a balance of sweet and spiced flavors. These ingredients unite to create a flavorful coating that bathes each sweet potato cube. It’s a balancing act between the richness of butter and the natural sweetness of maple syrup.
The glaze is the star of this dish, and it’s important that every sweet potato cube gets covered evenly. Gently tossing the cubes in the glaze is crucial to ensuring each piece is enveloped in the sweet and spiced mixture. This coating ensures that every bite bursts with flavor.
Oven candied sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be used for various occasions. These candied sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread, complementing turkey and other traditional dishes. Elevate your regular Sunday roast with this sweet and spiced side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or any festive occasion, these candied sweet potatoes bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your celebrations. But don’t limit this dish just to special occasions. Treat yourself to the comforting flavors of oven candied sweet potatoes on any given day.
Oven candied sweet potatoes capture the simplicity of sweet comfort. The glaze, formed from basic yet flavorful ingredients, brings out the best in the sweet potato. This dish can brighten any meal or celebration. The balance of sweet and spiced flavors and the versatility of this dish make it a timeless favorite fit for any occasion.
Oven Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes. Using a spatula, gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes with the foil on to allow the sweet potatoes to steam and become tender.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze has thickened.
- Once the oven candied sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Serve your candied sweet potatoes hot and enjoy.