Candied Sweet Potato Rounds are a delightful, sweet, and comforting side dish that combines the natural richness of sweet potatoes with the deep flavor of caramelized brown sugar, butter, and warm spices.
Unlike traditional candied yams that are typically cubed or mashed, these sweet potatoes are sliced into beautiful rounds, making them not only delicious but visually appealing as well. This dish is perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday meals, or anytime you want to elevate your vegetable side with a bit of sweet indulgence.
It’s an easy recipe that uses simple pantry ingredients, yet delivers bold flavor with every bite. The texture of tender sweet potatoes, glazed in a sticky syrup of butter and sugar, finished with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes it an irresistible addition to your table.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey (optional for deeper flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into even ½-inch thick rounds. Make sure the slices are uniform for even cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. - Arrange in a Baking Dish
Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single overlapping layer in your prepared baking dish. Slightly shingling the slices ensures even coverage of the glaze while baking. - Make the Candied Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, maple syrup or honey (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. - Pour the Glaze Over the Potatoes
Slowly pour the warm glaze over the sweet potato rounds, ensuring that each slice is well coated. Use a spoon or brush to evenly distribute the glaze if needed. - Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften while absorbing the flavors of the glaze. - Uncover and Caramelize
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup from the bottom of the dish. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze and gives the edges of the potatoes a rich, sticky texture. - Optional Garnish and Serve
Once fully baked and tender, remove the dish from the oven. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant and festive touch. Serve warm as a standout side dish.