Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes may just be the easiest Thanksgiving side dish you'll ever make (well, unless your cranberry sauce comes from a can). These sweet potatoes are simply sliced and baked in a warm, spiced maple and bourbon glaze until fork tender and perfectly caramelized. You can even make it in advance to save valuable time on the big day! Of course, this sweet potato side dish is so good, you'll be making it year-round.

What's in the sauce for candied sweet potatoes?

Butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, and a splash of bourbon. As the potatoes cook, the sauce forms a rich, sticky glaze that is downright divine spooned over 'em.

What can you use instead of bourbon in candied sweet potatoes?

The bourbon helps balance the sweetness, but you can substitute whiskey or skip it altogether, if you want.

Can you use honey instead of maple syrup in candied sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! The flavor of maple syrup pairs perfectly with brown sugar, spices, and bourbon, but if honey is all you have on hand, use that instead! You'll still get that rich, luscious sweetness using it.

Can you make candied sweet potatoes ahead of time?

You can make this dish the day before, and your guests will be none the wiser! After all, who doesn't love a make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe? Bake as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate the candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container. Just before serving, pop the sweet potatoes in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes to reheat.

Can you freeze candied sweet potatoes?

Yes! If you want to get ahead of the Thanksgiving prep, make this dish and store it in the freezer. Once the sweet potatoes have completely cooled in the baking dish, wrap the dish in foil and freeze for up to three months. Let the sweet potatoes thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat, covered in foil, in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through, 20 to 30 minutes.

What do you serve with candied sweet potatoes?

They're a no-brainer for the big Thanksgiving feast because these candied sweet potatoes are scrumptious alongside all the classics like turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole! Of course, because they're so easy, they wouldn't be so bad to have with any fall dinner. The most time-consuming part is peeling and slicing the potatoes. After that, you just mix up the glaze, toss everything into a casserole dish, pop it in the oven, and wait for your home to filled with the most heavenly scent.

Is sweet potato casserole the same as candied sweet potatoes?

Both sides star sweet potatoes and are Thanksgiving classics. Traditionally, sweet potato casserole is a mash topped with marshmallows. Candied sweet potatoes are cut into thick slices and roasted with a sweet glaze.

What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Though sweet potatoes and yams are often flip flopped in conversation (and cans labeled as yams are often really sweet potatoes), they're actually very different veggies. Sweet potatoes are sweeter than yams and have orange flesh. Yams are starchier and have yellow, white, or even purple flesh. Stick to regular sweet potatoes for this recipe.

Should sweet potatoes be boiled before baking?

For candied sweet potatoes, casseroles, and mashes, roasting is the way to go: It makes the sweet potatoes taste even sweeter. No need to boil the spuds here—they'll get nice and tender in the oven.