Candied Sweet Potatoes

These Candied Sweet Potatoes are a staple Thanksgiving side that are just too easy not to make. They pair perfectly alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and creamy green bean casserole, giving a sweet complement to any other savory sides. 

But, these roasted potatoes are also too delicious to just have during the holidays. While they might be extra-sweet on their own (they're practically a dessert), they pair perfectly with savory mains like roast chicken, pot roast, or prime rib, too! Trust us, with a brown sugar, apple cider and bourbon glaze, you'll want these sweet potatoes with everything. 

Want to experience this deliciously roasted side yourself? Read on for some of our tips on cooking up this need-to-know dish: 

Do I need to boil my sweet potatoes before baking?

Nope! Depending on the recipe, it may be beneficial to boil your sweet potatoes before baking them, but it's not needed here. Because we're cutting the raw potatoes into smaller rounds and covering them in a syrupy glaze, they'll get perfectly tender baking in oven. 

Can I add or substitute anything?

Of course! The glaze is sweet and plenty flavorful all on its own, but feel free to experiment. If you're not a fan of bourbon, it's not completely necessary — you can always add in extra warming, spicy flavors in other ways. Throw in some orange juice or apple cider for an added flavor kick, add some nutmeg, vanilla or honey, or use a cinnamon stick instead of ground! 

If you're here for Thanksgiving help, check out our dozens of other amazing Thanksgiving menu must haves, including our candied yams (short answer: while similar, sweet potatoes and yams are two different things!). 

If you've tried this recipe, let us know how it went in the comments below!

Editor's Note: This intro was updated to add more information about the dish on August 30, 2022.