Debbie'S Candied Potatoes
Sweet and buttery candied sweet potatoes with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting family dinners that delight the senses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sweet potatoes, egg, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and melted butter together and put into a 10 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the sweet potato mixture. If you want to add a hint of nuttiness, consider incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the cracker topping. To save time, you could use pre-cooked sweet potatoes if available. Ensure the butter is fully melted before mixing to avoid clumps in the topping.
Serving Suggestions
These candied potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. Serve them alongside roasted meats or alongside the sweet flavors of Pheasant Pie for a unique twist. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top before serving can enhance the flavor. Consider pairing with a fresh salad for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover candied potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debbie'S Candied Potatoes contains roughly 601 calories, with 8g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% 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 fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh sweet potatoes! Simply peel, boil, and mash them until smooth before mixing with the other ingredients. This will give your dish a fresher taste and texture, though you'll need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
If you don't have Ritz crackers, crushed graham crackers or even panko breadcrumbs can work as substitutes. They will provide a similar crunch and sweetness. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crackers that match the texture and flavor profile you're aiming for.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider reducing the sugar content by half or using a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup. You can also reduce the amount of butter by substituting some with unsweetened applesauce, which will keep it moist while lowering the fat content.
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).