Nothing brings comfort to a family meal quite like the sweet flavor of Caramelized Sweet Potatoes. This quick and easy side dish recipe makes it perfect for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal. Imagine tender sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection with a caramelized coating of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This dish will add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your table.
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Caramelized sweet potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery caramel glaze. This dish is not only delicious but also brings warmth and comfort to any meal, making it a favorite for family dinners and festive occasions.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Naturally Sweet and Savory: The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 45 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to holiday ham.
If you like this side dish recipe, you may also love our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges or our Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic.
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Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for even roasting.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the caramelized glaze.
- Cinnamon: Adds to the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Brown sugar: Provides the caramel flavor and helps achieve a sticky, sweet coating.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best for roasting and adds a subtle flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Caramelized Sweet Potatoes:
STEP ONE: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Caramel Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, olive oil, and salt until well combined.
STEP THREE: Coat and Roast
Brush the caramel mixture evenly over the cut sides of the sweet potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
STEP FOUR: Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle any remaining caramelized butter mixture from the pan over the sweet potatoes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- Cinnamon: Swap with pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Make it vegan by using plant-based butter.
- Flavor: Add a splash of orange juice to the caramel mixture for a citrusy note.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
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- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Brush for coating
How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
Store caramelized sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
Cut sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Brush the caramel mixture generously to get a rich, sticky coating.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the sweet potatoes before serving.
Rewarm in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave single servings.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover sweet potatoes in this West African Peanut Stew.
- Mix caramelized sweet potatoes into a quinoa salad.
- Mash and spread on toast for a sweet breakfast option.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Roasted chicken with herbs.
- Glazed holiday ham.
- Grilled salmon with lemon.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Candied Yams
- Easy Oven Roasted Fall Vegetables
Related
More fall recipes you will love:
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- Deep Fried Sweet Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Italian Lentil Soup with Sausage and Spinach
FAQ
Caramelizing sweet potatoes involves coating them with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then roasting them in the oven until they become tender and develop a sweet, sticky glaze. Cutting the sweet potatoes evenly and roasting them cut side down at a high temperature ensures they cook uniformly and caramelize well.
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with other types of sugar such as maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Each alternative will impart a slightly different flavor to the caramelized sweet potatoes, but they will all work well to achieve the desired sweetness and caramelization.
To prevent caramelized sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan, line your baking sheet with parchment paper and brush the sweet potatoes with olive oil. This creates a non-stick surface and helps achieve even caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the sweet potatoes to steam rather than roast.
📖 Recipe
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Quick and Easy Candied Side Dish
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small Mixing bowl
- Brush for coating
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Brush the mixture evenly over the cut sides of the sweet potatoes.
- Place the sweet potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the cut sides.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, drizzle any remaining caramelized butter mixture from the pan over the sweet potatoes before serving.
Notes
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- Cinnamon: Swap with pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.
Nutrition
Try this easy caramelized sweet potatoes recipe for a sweet and savory side dish that's perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion.
Share your results and explore more delicious recipes on our blog!
Always wash sweet potatoes thoroughly before peeling. Store leftovers in an airtight container to prevent contamination. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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