Brandied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes glazed with brandy and warm spices make for a comforting, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. The rich, caramelized topping and optional marshmallow finish appeal to both traditional and contemporary palates, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook yams in boiling, salted water for 25 minutes or until tender, one and one-fourth hours before serving.
- Drain and cool the yams.
- In a 1-quart saucepan, mix cornstarch, nutmeg or cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Stir in water and cook over low heat until the sauce is clear.
- Stir in lemon juice and brandy.
- Peel potatoes and slice crosswise, 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.
- Arrange the slices in a buttered shallow baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the potatoes.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until glazed, basting occasionally.
- When glazed, sprinkle with miniature marshmallows and broil until golden, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the brandy with additional apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract. Be cautious not to overcook the yams; they should be tender but not mushy for the best texture in the final dish. This recipe can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These brandied sweet potatoes make a perfect side dish for holiday meals or a cozy family dinner. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, such as turkey or ham. For a complete meal, serve alongside dishes like Congealed Waldorf Salad or Zucchini Brownies for a delightful balance of flavors. Garnish with pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
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 to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for quick reheating, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandied Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 256 calories, with 2g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% 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 use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While yams are traditional, you can use sweet potatoes for a similar flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly. If you prefer a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower instead, although this will change the taste and texture significantly.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To adapt this recipe for vegan diets, simply replace the butter used for greasing the baking dish with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, you can omit the brandy or substitute it with apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract to maintain flavor without the alcohol.
Is it possible to prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the yams and the sauce in advance. Cook and slice the yams, then layer them in the baking dish with the sauce. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure everything is heated through.
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).