Maple Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Holiday Delight

Candied sweet potatoes are a classic side dish, particularly popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, their sweet and comforting flavor makes them a delicious treat any time of year. This recipe takes the traditional candied sweet potato to the next level by using real maple syrup, adding a depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. The result is a tender, caramelized, and utterly irresistible side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This Maple Glazed Candied Sweet Potato recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or large holiday gatherings. It’s also a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences. You can add a touch of spice with cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporate some toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Ready to elevate your sweet potato game? Let’s get started!

## Ingredients:

* **Sweet Potatoes:** 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
* **Maple Syrup:** ½ cup, preferably pure maple syrup for the best flavor
* **Butter:** ¼ cup, unsalted, cut into small pieces
* **Brown Sugar:** ¼ cup, packed
* **Water:** ¼ cup
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon
* **Optional:** ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg, ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

## Equipment:

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Vegetable peeler
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Spatula or wooden spoon

## Instructions:

### Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. **Wash and Peel:** Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Make sure to peel them evenly to avoid any bitter spots.

2. **Cut into Cubes:** Place the peeled sweet potatoes on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to cut the cubes as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking. Consistent sizing is important for achieving the desired texture throughout the dish. Slightly smaller pieces will cook faster.

### Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Skillet

1. **Add Sweet Potatoes:** Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large skillet or Dutch oven. A skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven works best because it allows the sweet potatoes to cook evenly and prevents them from sticking to the bottom.

2. **Add Maple Syrup, Butter, and Brown Sugar:** Pour the maple syrup over the sweet potatoes. Distribute the small pieces of butter evenly over the top. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the sweet potatoes and butter.

3. **Add Water and Salt:** Pour the water into the skillet. Add the salt. The water helps to create steam, which will help to cook the sweet potatoes evenly. The salt enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients and balances the flavors.

4. **Optional Spices:** If you want to add cinnamon or nutmeg, sprinkle it over the sweet potatoes at this stage.

### Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1. **Bring to a Simmer:** Place the skillet over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure that the ingredients are well combined and the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture.

2. **Reduce Heat and Cover:** Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. This helps to trap the steam and cook the sweet potatoes more efficiently.

3. **Simmer Until Tender:** Let the sweet potatoes simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Be careful not to overcook the sweet potatoes, as they will become mushy.

### Step 4: Caramelize the Sweet Potatoes

1. **Remove Lid:** Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid from the skillet or Dutch oven.

2. **Increase Heat:** Increase the heat to medium-high. This will help to evaporate the excess liquid and caramelize the sweet potatoes.

3. **Cook Until Glazed:** Cook the sweet potatoes, stirring frequently, for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are nicely glazed and the sauce has thickened into a rich, sticky caramel. Be careful not to burn the sauce. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

4. **Optional Nuts:** If you want to add pecans or walnuts, stir them into the sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.

### Step 5: Serve

1. **Remove from Heat:** Once the sweet potatoes are glazed and caramelized to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.

2. **Let Cool Slightly:** Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld together.

3. **Serve Warm:** Serve the Maple Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes warm as a side dish. They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, turkey, ham, or pork. They are also a delicious addition to vegetarian or vegan meals.

## Tips for Success:

* **Use High-Quality Maple Syrup:** Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid using imitation maple syrup, as it will not have the same rich, complex flavor.
* **Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly:** Consistent sizing ensures even cooking. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven to avoid overcrowding the sweet potatoes. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
* **Stir Regularly:** Stirring prevents sticking and ensures that the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potato cubes and the heat of your stove. Check the sweet potatoes frequently and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Watch for Burning:** Be careful not to burn the sauce during the caramelization process. Adjust the heat as needed and stir frequently.
* **Add a Pinch of Spice:** A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add a warm, cozy flavor to the dish.
* **Get Creative with Nuts:** Pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Add a Touch of Citrus:** A squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice can brighten the flavor of the dish.
* **Make Ahead:** These sweet potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

## Variations:

* **Spiced Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the skillet along with the other ingredients.
* **Pecan Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Orange Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the skillet along with the other ingredients.
* **Bourbon Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Be careful, alcohol can be flammable.
* **Honey Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute the maple syrup with honey for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your liking, as honey can be sweeter than maple syrup.
* **Coconut Oil Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Replace the butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly option. The coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
* **Ginger Candied Sweet Potatoes:** Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the skillet along with the other ingredients for a warm and spicy kick.
* **Chipotle Candied Sweet Potatoes:** For a sweet and smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the skillet. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

## Serving Suggestions:

* **Holiday Dinner:** These Maple Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. They pair well with turkey, ham, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
* **Weeknight Meal:** Serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or fish.
* **Vegetarian Meal:** They are a delicious addition to vegetarian or vegan meals. Serve them with quinoa, lentils, or roasted vegetables.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Believe it or not, they can even be served as a sweet treat for breakfast or brunch. Top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
* **Dessert:** For a simple dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 4-6g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion:

These Maple Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes are a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With their tender texture, sweet and savory flavor, and beautiful caramelized glaze, they are the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you are serving them for a holiday dinner, a weeknight meal, or even a special breakfast or brunch, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable side dish!

Enjoy!