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Candied Maple Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes: Easy Holiday Side Dish

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These candied maple brown sugar sweet potatoes are a quick and easy holiday side dish that turns sweet potato skeptics into believers. Roasted in a rich maple brown sugar sauce, they develop caramelized edges and a tender, creamy center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping)
  • 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes, keeping them uniform in size.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm maple brown sugar sauce over them and toss gently with a spatula until every piece is coated.
  5. Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread them into an even layer.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil, give the sweet potatoes a gentle stir, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender but still holding their shape.
  8. If using pecans or marshmallows, sprinkle them on during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  9. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

Prep the sweet potatoes and sauce up to 24 hours in advance; store separately in the fridge and add 10 minutes to covered baking time. For extra crispy edges, spread in a single layer and broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Do not skip the salt and pepper—they balance the sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied sweet potatoes, maple brown sugar sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, easy sweet potato recipe, Thanksgiving side dish, roasted sweet potatoes

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/candied-maple-brown-sugar-sweet-potatoes-easy-holiday-side-dish/