The holidays are just around the corner, and that means one thing: sweet potato season! But let’s be honest, sometimes baking a whole casserole of candied sweet potatoes can feel like a major commitment. What if you’re craving that sweet, caramelized goodness without the oven hassle? Enter the magic of stove top candied sweet potatoes – a faster, easier, and equally delicious way to enjoy this classic side dish.
This isn’t just another sweet potato recipe; it’s a streamlined approach that delivers perfectly tender sweet potatoes coated in a luscious, buttery, and spiced caramel sauce, all cooked to perfection right on your stove top. This recipe will guide you through making perfectly caramelized, tender, and flavorful candied sweet potatoes on your stove top, perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
Forget spending hours waiting for the oven to preheat and bake. This stove top method offers several advantages that make it a true kitchen champion.
Speed and Convenience
The most significant benefit is the speed. You can have a batch of these delicious candied sweet potatoes ready in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday gatherings. No more long baking times!
Flavor Explosion
Imagine tender sweet potatoes swimming in a rich, buttery sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Control and Customization
Unlike oven-baked versions, this recipe allows you to control the level of caramelization and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. Want a more intense caramel flavor? Simply cook the sauce a little longer. Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more ginger. The possibilities are endless!
Easy Cleanup
Say goodbye to scrubbing baked-on sweet potato casserole dishes! This stove top method requires only one pan, making cleanup a breeze. More time enjoying your delicious creation, less time doing dishes.
Perfect Texture
Achieve that ideal balance of tender sweet potatoes with a beautifully caramelized coating. The gentle simmering process ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly and become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the final caramelization step adds a delightful chewy texture.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Approximately two pounds of sweet potatoes (Garnet or Jewel varieties are recommended for their sweetness and vibrant color).
- Half a cup of unsalted butter, providing richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Three-quarters of a cup of packed light brown sugar, adding sweetness and a molasses-like flavor. Dark brown sugar can be used for a more intense flavor.
- A quarter cup of granulated sugar, optional for enhancing the sweetness.
- One teaspoon of ground cinnamon, adding warmth and spice.
- Half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, offering a subtle nutty flavor.
- A quarter teaspoon of ground ginger, contributing a hint of spice.
- A quarter teaspoon of salt, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the other flavors.
- A quarter cup of water or orange juice, helping to create the caramel sauce and prevent burning.
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract, optional for adding a touch of aromatic sweetness.
- Half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, optional for garnish, providing crunch and nutty flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s delve a little deeper into why each ingredient is important and explore some potential substitutions.
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any that are soft or have sprouts. The Garnet and Jewel varieties are particularly well-suited for this recipe due to their high sugar content and vibrant color.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt accordingly. For a vegan option, consider using coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor or a vegan butter substitute.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a more delicate sweetness, while dark brown sugar offers a richer, more molasses-like flavor. Choose whichever you prefer, or even experiment with a combination of both. Maple syrup can also be used as a substitute, adding a unique flavor profile.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a classic warm spice blend that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking or experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice.
Water or Orange Juice: Adding a liquid helps to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth caramel sauce. Orange juice adds a subtle citrusy note that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Apple cider or even a splash of bourbon can also be used.
Easy Steps to Stove Top Candied Sweet Potato Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistible stove top candied sweet potatoes. Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is easier than you think!
Getting Started: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin completely. Next, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes or slices, about one-inch in size. Uniformity is crucial because it ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly and at the same rate. If you have some pieces that are much larger than others, they will take longer to cook through and may result in unevenly cooked dish.
The Cooking Process
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sweet potatoes and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt). Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with the butter and spices. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to begin to soften slightly.
Next, add the brown sugar and water (or orange juice) to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid from the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about five to ten minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized. This is where the magic happens! The sugar will begin to brown and create a rich, glossy glaze that coats the sweet potatoes.
If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in during the last minute of cooking. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving.
Visual Cues for Success
Knowing when your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and caramelized is key to a successful dish. Here are some visual cues to look for:
- Sweet Potatoes: They should be easily pierced with a fork without any resistance.
- Sauce: The sauce should be thick, glossy, and a deep amber color. It should coat the sweet potatoes evenly.
Tips and Tricks for Culinary Excellence
Here are some extra tips to help you achieve sweet potato perfection.
Preventing Burning
The biggest challenge with stove top candied sweet potatoes is preventing the sugar from burning. To avoid this, use medium-low heat and stir frequently, especially during the caramelization stage. If the sauce starts to darken too quickly, reduce the heat further or add a tablespoon of water to the skillet.
Achieving the Perfect Caramelization
For that perfect golden-brown caramel color, be patient and allow the sauce to cook slowly. Stir frequently to ensure even caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the sauce from caramelizing properly.
Adjusting Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar by a tablespoon or two. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If you like it extra sweet, a quarter cup of granulated sugar added with the brown sugar will do the trick.
Choosing the Right Pan
A heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, as it will distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching. Cast iron is an excellent choice for its heat retention properties. Non-stick pans can also be used, but be careful not to scratch the surface while stirring.
Storage Instructions
Leftover candied sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, or warm in a skillet over low heat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also cook the sweet potatoes up to the point of caramelization, then refrigerate them and finish the caramelization process just before serving.
Variations and Customizations to Delight
This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Spice Variations
Get creative with your spice blends! Try adding a pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, or allspice for a unique twist. A dash of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle kick.
Nut Additions
Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds during the last five minutes of cooking for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toasted nuts will add even more flavor depth.
Citrus Zest
Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note. The zest will add a layer of complexity that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Bourbon or Maple Syrup
For a more decadent flavor, add a tablespoon or two of bourbon or maple syrup to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. These additions will add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
Stove top candied sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Holiday Dinners
They’re a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Their vibrant color and sweet, spiced flavor make them a perfect complement to traditional holiday fare.
Weeknight Meals
Elevate your weeknight meals by adding these delicious candied sweet potatoes. They pair well with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, ham, or even vegetarian dishes.
Pairing Suggestions
Consider serving them alongside dishes like cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, or stuffing for a complete holiday meal. They also pair well with savory dishes that have a hint of sweetness, such as honey-glazed carrots or maple-glazed Brussels sprouts.
Breakfast or Dessert
Believe it or not, these sweet potatoes can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Let’s Get Cooking!
So there you have it: the ultimate guide to making stove top candied sweet potatoes. This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and variations to create your own signature version.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the results. And don’t forget to share your creations with us. Leave a comment below with your own tips, variations, or photos. Rate this recipe and share this article on social media to spread the sweet potato love! Happy cooking!
