Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Simple & Delicious Holiday Side Dish
Candied sweet potatoes are a classic holiday side dish, but sometimes oven space is at a premium. This stovetop version is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also frees up your oven for other important dishes. The sweet potatoes become perfectly tender, coated in a rich, buttery, and caramelized sauce that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. It’s also a fantastic way to elevate a weeknight meal. Let’s get started!
## Why Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes?
While oven-baked candied sweet potatoes are delicious, cooking them on the stovetop offers several advantages:
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Stovetop cooking is generally faster than oven baking, making this a great option when you’re short on time.
* **Even Cooking:** The constant simmer ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly throughout.
* **Caramelization Control:** You have greater control over the caramelization process on the stovetop, allowing you to achieve the perfect level of golden-brown goodness.
* **Oven Space Saver:** Free up your oven for other dishes, especially during busy holidays.
* **Simpler Cleanup:** Often, stovetop cooking involves fewer dishes and easier cleanup.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients:
* **Sweet Potatoes:** The star of the show! Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best results. About 2-3 large sweet potatoes (around 2 pounds total) are ideal.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter provides richness and flavor. You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
* **Brown Sugar:** Light or dark brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. Dark brown sugar will result in a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds a touch more sweetness and helps with caramelization.
* **Spices:** A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a warm, comforting flavor profile. You can adjust the spices to your liking.
* **Salt:** Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Water:** Helps to create the syrup and prevents the sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Pecans, walnuts, or marshmallows can be added for extra flavor and texture.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect stovetop candied sweet potatoes:
**Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes**
* Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer a smoother texture. Leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients.
* Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. Aim for 1-inch cubes or slices. Consistent size ensures even cooking.
**Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sugars**
* In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the melted butter.
* Stir continuously until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
**Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes**
* Add the cubed or sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet.
* Pour the water over the sweet potatoes.
* Stir to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with the sugar mixture.
**Step 4: Simmer and Caramelize**
* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized, coating the sweet potatoes in a glossy glaze. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)**
* If you’re adding pecans, walnuts, or marshmallows, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
* Pecans and walnuts will add a nutty crunch, while marshmallows will melt and create a gooey topping.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the candied sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving.
* Serve them warm as a side dish with your favorite holiday meal or as a delicious addition to any dinner.
## Tips for Perfect Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet:** A heavy-bottomed skillet will distribute heat evenly and prevent the sauce from burning.
* **Cut Sweet Potatoes Uniformly:** This ensures that the sweet potatoes cook at the same rate.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked sweet potatoes will become mushy. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stirring prevents the sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan and ensures even caramelization.
* **Adjust the Spices:** Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your liking.
* **Watch the Caramelization:** Keep a close eye on the sauce during the caramelization process to prevent it from burning. Reduce the heat if necessary.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
## Variations and Add-ins
This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:
* **Maple Syrup:** Replace some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a distinct maple flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Add orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
* **Bourbon:** A splash of bourbon adds a warm, boozy flavor. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Pecans or Walnuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
* **Marshmallows:** Top with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of cooking for a classic candied sweet potato flavor.
* **Dried Cranberries:** Add dried cranberries for a tart and chewy texture.
* **Coconut Flakes:** Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
## Serving Suggestions
Stovetop candied sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Holiday Meals:** Serve them alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef for a classic holiday feast.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Pair them with grilled chicken, pork chops, or salmon for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Serve them with lentil loaf, vegetarian pot pie, or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Add them to your breakfast or brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy them as a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the sugar mixture ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.
* **Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:** Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or slices. Store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
* **Make the Sugar Mixture:** Combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sugars are dissolved. Let the mixture cool completely.
* **Assemble and Cook:** When you’re ready to cook, drain the sweet potatoes and add them to the skillet with the sugar mixture. Add the water and proceed with the recipe as directed.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Candied sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Recipe Card
**Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds total), peeled or unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes or slices
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup water
* Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 cup mini marshmallows
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if desired, and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes or slices.
2. Melt the butter and sugars: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the cubed or sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Pour the water over the sweet potatoes. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with the sugar mixture.
4. Simmer and caramelize: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized, coating the sweet potatoes in a glossy glaze. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
5. Add optional ingredients (if using): If you’re adding pecans, walnuts, or marshmallows, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the candied sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm as a side dish or dessert.
**Notes:**
* For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.
* Adjust the spices to your liking.
* If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Enjoy your delicious stovetop candied sweet potatoes! This easy and flavorful recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.