This Caramelized Sweet Potatoes Recipe is 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 side 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & Variations
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- Cinnamon: Swap in pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳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 meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Cut sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
✔️ DO Brush the caramel mixture generously to get a rich, sticky coating.
✔️ DO Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the sweet potatoes before serving.
Storage
Store caramelized sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly. Rewarm in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave single servings.
Recipe FAQs
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.
Related
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- Deep Fried Sweet Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Italian Lentil Soup with Sausage and Spinach
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📖 Recipe
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes Recipe
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.
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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.
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