Katie'S Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes glazed with a buttery brown sugar syrup and topped with pecans, offering warm, caramelized flavors perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan.
- Cover with boiling water and bring back to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes.
- Drain and let the potatoes cool.
- Peel the potatoes and halve them lengthwise.
- In a large skillet, combine butter, salt, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water.
- Stir over low heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add the potatoes and pecans to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, basting often with the syrup.
- Serve the potatoes topped with syrup and nuts.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure even cooking, choose sweet potatoes of similar size. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you're short on time, consider microwaving the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them, just be sure to pierce them first.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside dishes like Chilled Sweet Potato Casserole or Quick Pecan Bread for a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Katie'S Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 587 calories, with 0g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. Simply cook and store them in the refrigerator, then reheat before serving. Just be mindful that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
What can I do if I don't have brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. Use 1 cup of granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar. This will provide a similar flavor profile for your sweet potatoes.
Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, or even incorporate a splash of orange juice for brightness. Experimenting with different nuts or adding dried fruits like raisins could also provide a delightful twist to the dish.
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).