Maple Bourbon Candied Sweet Potatoes

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
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Maple Bourbon Candied Sweet Potatoes are a decadent twist on a classic side dish, perfect for cozy fall gatherings or holiday feasts. With the rich flavors of maple syrup and bourbon, these sweet potatoes are sure to steal the spotlight on any table.

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Candied Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are the star of the show, providing a naturally sweet and creamy base. Maple Syrup brings a deep, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. Bourbon adds a subtle, smoky richness that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. Unsalted Butter contributes a rich, silky texture, while Brown Sugar enhances the caramel notes. Cinnamon and Nutmeg provide warmth and spice, making each bite more flavorful. A pinch of Salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors. Finally, Vanilla Extract adds a touch of aromatic sweetness to round everything off. Pecans offer a crunchy contrast to the tender sweet potatoes.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re short on time, use pre-sliced sweet potatoes available in many grocery stores.
  • For deeper bourbon flavor, marinate the sweet potatoes in the maple mixture for an hour before baking.
  • To prevent the pecans from burning, you can toast them separately and add them just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and then bake it just before serving.
What if I don’t have bourbon?
You can substitute with apple juice or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Sure! Walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe.

Maple Bourbon Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, give your 9x13-inch baking dish a light coating with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

Next, peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness is just right for absorbing all the delicious flavors while cooking. Layer them evenly in the prepared dish.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and everything is smooth and well-blended.

Once you have a smooth mixture, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This keeps the vanilla's flavor nice and vibrant.

Pour the maple bourbon mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Make sure each slice is well-coated—this is where all the flavor magic happens!

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 45 minutes. This initial bake softens the potatoes and lets them soak up all those wonderful flavors.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. They’ll add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully caramelized.

Once done, let the dish cool slightly before serving so the flavors can settle. Enjoy the aromatic, rich experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the comforting sweetness of maple syrup with a hint of bourbon warmth.
  • Easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
  • The caramelized pecan topping adds a delightful crunch.
  • Perfect for make-ahead preparation, saving you time on busy days.

Ingredients

3 lbs sweet potatoes
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cooking spray

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the maple bourbon mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is caramelized.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

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