Caramelized Maple Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Caramelized Maple Sweet Potatoes, a scrumptious dish that brings a perfect balance of flavor and texture to your table. With tender chunks of sweet potatoes coated in a heavenly blend of rich maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite for any occasion. Whether it's a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, these candied sweet potatoes will captivate everyone's taste buds and put a delightful spin on your traditional sides.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and cut into chunks)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
maple syrup
1/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. In a large pot, cover the sweet potatoes with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the sweet potatoes for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Ensure not to over-finished them to avoid mushiness.
3
After cooking, remove the sweet potatoes from the pot and allow them to cool slightly before peeling and cutting them into chunks.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sweet potato chunks in a greased 2-quart baking dish.
5
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture continuously until it reaches a gentle boil, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
6
Once boiling, pour the syrup mixture over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Maple Sweet Potatoes?
Caramelized Maple Sweet Potatoes is a scrumptious side dish consisting of tender chunks of sweet potatoes coated in a rich blend of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What ingredients are needed for the syrup mixture?
The syrup mixture requires 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How long do you boil the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be boiled for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the potatoes.
How much sweet potato is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of sweet potatoes, which should be peeled and cut into chunks.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 2-quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How long do the sweet potatoes bake in the oven?
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Do I need to baste the potatoes while they bake?
Yes, basting occasionally with the syrup during the 40-minute bake time will add extra flavor and moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How do I prepare the syrup?
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and stir until it reaches a gentle boil.
Should the sweet potatoes be peeled before boiling?
No, the recipe suggests washing them first, boiling them whole, and then peeling and cutting them after they have cooled slightly.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a perfect balance of sweetness from the maple and brown sugar with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Yam/Sweet Potato dishes.
Is it okay to overcook the potatoes during the boiling phase?
It is recommended not to over-finish them to avoid mushiness; they should only be fork-tender.
Can I use this as a holiday side dish?
Absolutely, these caramelized potatoes are perfect for festive gatherings and cozy family dinners.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients: sweet potatoes, butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar for the best results.
Do I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter; you can use either, though unsalted is typical for sweet dishes.
Is the cinnamon ground or whole?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I substitute the maple syrup?
While maple syrup provides the distinct flavor for this recipe, you could use honey or agave, though it will change the taste profile.
What should I do after boiling the potatoes?
Remove them from the pot, allow them to cool slightly, and then peel and cut them into chunks.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served warm immediately after baking.
How do I ensure the potatoes are evenly coated?
Pour the boiling syrup mixture over the chunks in the baking dish and use a spoon to baste them during baking.
Is this a simple recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as a simple recipe and follows a straightforward boil, mix, and bake process.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, yams are often used interchangeably with sweet potatoes in recipes like this one.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Sweet potatoes are naturally high in fiber, making this a nutritious addition to your meal.
What kind of heat should I use for the syrup?
The syrup mixture should be prepared over medium heat to avoid burning the sugars.
Can this recipe be considered 'candied'?
Yes, the combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a candied effect on the caramelized potatoes.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The potatoes are tender on the inside with a sticky, caramelized glaze on the outside.