Top Of Stove Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and caramelized, these candied sweet potatoes feature a rich glaze with brown sugar, walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon—perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes until tender.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them lengthwise into halves.
- Set the potato halves aside.
- In a pan, simmer brown sugar, water, butter, salt, and cinnamon until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the potato halves to the pan and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Cook until the potatoes are glazed and the syrup thickens.
- Sprinkle the walnuts over the candied sweet potatoes.
- Turn the sweet potatoes into a serving dish and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you want to add a touch of zest, a sprinkle of orange zest can complement the sweetness of the potatoes. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans if desired. To save time, you can use pre-cooked sweet potatoes available in stores, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These candied sweet potatoes make a wonderful side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or a warm grain dish like quinoa. You might also enjoy them with a sweet dessert like Peanut Butter Poke Cake for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover candied sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for a minute or two until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Top Of Stove Candied Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 511 calories, with 2g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1253mg per serving (54% 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 canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time to avoid mushiness.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it easy to adapt.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and the syrup mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them right before serving. This will save you time and allow the flavors to meld.
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).