Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes are a delicious and festive Southern staple. This easy side dish consists of sweet potatoes cooked in a cozy mix of butter, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup. While they're usually cooked in the oven, this recipe will show you how to cook stovetop candied sweet potatoes. This delightful side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.

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Get ready for a holiday side dish that will make your taste buds sing! These stovetop candied sweet potatoes are infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and they're perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar.

Best of all, they can be made in just minutes and then left to simmer away gently on the stove, so you'll have more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Cooking candied sweet potatoes on the stove top is one of the quickest and easiest ways there is!

Whether you're serving them up for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas brunch, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to please. So go ahead and give them a try - your guests will be glad you did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and candied sweet potatoes are a wonderful way to enjoy them. This stovetop recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. The result is a dish that is both sweet and savory, with a touch of spice. Best of all, it is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Here are just a few reasons why you will love this recipe:

• The sweet potatoes are cooked in a blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
• The spices add just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the potatoes.
• The dish can be easily scaled up or down to serve as many or as few people as you like.

So if you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish, look no further than this stovetop candied sweet potato recipe. You won't be disappointed!

What You’ll Need To Make Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish. You will need about 2-3 pounds of sweet potatoes for this recipe. Be sure to wash and peel them before cooking.
• Brown sugar: This will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. You can use dark or light brown sugar, depending on your preferences.
• Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and depth of flavor. Be sure to use unsalted butter so that the dish is not too salty, or if using salted butter, adjust the amount of salt that you add to the recipe.
• Nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger: These spices add a touch of warmth and flavor to the dish. They'll remind you of the holidays!
• Vanilla extract: This is optional, but it does add a nice touch of flavor.
• Salt: This is to taste. You may not need to add any salt if you are using salted butter.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch pieces.

Next, make the sauce. Add the butter, salt, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to a large pan and heat on the stovetop over medium heat.

Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the butter has fully melted and the sugar has dissolved then add the sweet potato to the pan in a single layer.

Spoon the sauce mixture over the sweet potatoes and turn the heat down to low so that the sauce is bubbling gently.

Cook the potatoes for 25 minutes, flipping them over after the first 15 minutes.

Once the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the sauce over the top. The sauce will be quite thin to start but will thicken more as the sweet potatoes cool.

Serve sprinkled with pecans or walnuts for an extra festive crunch.

Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions And Substitutions

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can cook the sweet potatoes and then reheat them in the sauce just before serving.

If you find that the sauce is too thin, you can cook it down for a few minutes longer on the stovetop until it has reached the desired consistency.

If you want a little extra sweetness, you can drizzle the dish with honey before serving or sprinkle some additional brown sugar on top.

You can also give your candied sweet potatoes a little extra punch by adding a few tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce before adding the sweet poatoes.

And if you are looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter for coconut oil.

Overall, this stovetop candied sweet potato recipe is easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking. So go ahead and give it a try! Your family and friends will be sure to enjoy it.

How To Store Leftovers

Candied sweet potatoes make a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion, but what do you do if you have leftovers?

Leftover sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

The sauce can also be stored in a separate airtight container and reheated when needed. It will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, although the texture will be mushier after being frozen. Thaw the sweet potatoes in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are candied yams the same as candied sweet potatoes?

A: In the United States, sweet potatoes and yams are often used interchangeably. However, true yams are actually a type of root vegetable that is native to Africa and is rarely seen in American supermarkets. So, when it comes to making candied sweet potatoes, you can use either sweet potatoes or yams.

Q: What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

A: As mentioned above, yams are a type of root vegetable that is native to Africa and is rarely seen in American supermarkets. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are a type of starchy, sweet-tasting potato that is often used in pies and other desserts.

Q: Can I make candied sweet potatoes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make stovetop candied yams ahead of time. In fact, they actually taste better when they are made in advance and allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop.

Q: Why are my candied sweet potatoes watery?

A: There are a few reasons why your candied sweet potatoes might be watery. One possibility is that you didn't cook the potatoes long enough. Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Another possibility is that you used too much liquid in the sauce. If this is the case, you can cook the sauce down for a few minutes longer to help thicken it up.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?

A: Yes, you can make this dish vegan by substituting the butter for coconut oil.

Q: Can you make stovetop candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows?

A: Yes, you can make stovetop candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Simply omit the pecans or walnuts and top with marshmallows before serving.

Q: What can I serve with stovetop candied sweet potatoes?

A: Stovetop candied sweet potatoes make a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion. They can be served with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. They would also be great alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Tools And Equipment For This Recipe

Lodge Cast Iron Deep Skillet: I love this skillet because it's the perfect size for making candied sweet potatoes. Plus, it's made of cast iron, so it heats evenly and retains heat well.

Wooden Spoon: You'll need a wooden spoon for stirring the sauce and making sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.

8-Inch Kitchen Knife: You'll need a sharp knife for cutting the sweet potatoes into even pieces. This 8-inch kitchen knife by Paudin is a great choice.

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