Army And Lou'S Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and flavorful candied sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large, covered pot of boiling water, cook sweet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes or until nearly tender.
- Cool the sweet potatoes until easy to handle.
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 3/4-inch slices.
- Arrange the slices in a buttered or foil-lined 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, grated lemon peel, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir in lemon juice and water until smooth.
- Add butter and heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. If you're short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. This dish pairs well with American recipes that feature savory meats, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These candied sweet potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. Serve them alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian recipes spread. They also complement dishes like Carrot-Cranberry Salad beautifully, adding a sweet contrast. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped pecans or marshmallows before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Army And Lou'S Candied Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 168 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 887mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and the sugar mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day of your event.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. This will give you a similar flavor profile and moisture to the dish.
Are there any vegan alternatives for this recipe?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it easy to adapt for a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).