Candied sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, and this recipe takes them to the next level with a splash of bourbon and a hint of fresh thyme. The brown sugar and butter melt into a rich glaze, coating each slice of tender sweet potato for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just want to add a sweet and savory touch to your dinner, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to impress.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s packed with warm flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and apple pie spice. The subtle bourbon flavor adds depth without being overpowering, and the thyme brings a fresh, aromatic finish that balances the sweetness perfectly. The best part? The recipe comes together easily in a single skillet and baking dish, making it as convenient as it is tasty.

If you’re looking for a candied sweet potato recipe that goes beyond the basics, this one is for you. It’s got everything from a gooey, caramelized sauce to tender slices that hold their shape. Plus, it’s a dish that even those who aren’t typically sweet potato fans might just fall in love with!

What You Will Love About This Recipe

This candied sweet potato recipe has everything to love: rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of spice, a subtle bourbon kick, and the earthy, aromatic touch of fresh thyme. It’s a dish that balances sweet and savory flavors, creating a side that’s comforting yet sophisticated. The brown sugar and butter caramelize beautifully, giving each potato slice a glossy coating that’s deliciously decadent. Not only does it look stunning on the table, but the flavors develop beautifully as it bakes, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender. Perfect for holiday meals or cozy dinners, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite!

What do I need to get started?

Brown sugar.
Salted butter.
Bourbon. The bourbon pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices, but if you’d prefer to leave it out, replace it with apple juice or maple syrup. The alcohol will cook out before the dish is finished.
Cinnamon, cloves, and apple pie spice.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. If you do not have freshly cracked, you can use normal ground pepper.
Sprigs fresh thyme.
Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut.

How to make Candied Sweet Potatoes

This Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe starts with making a spicy, sticky, buttery sauce to toss the potatoes in.

Add butter, brown sugar, spices, bourbon, and pepper to a skillet and place over medium heat. Cook until the butter has melted completely and the sugar is dissolved, stirring the entire time. Once the butter has melted, let it cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a baking dish or casserole dish, place the potatoes and toss them in the sauce. The sauce will be very hot from the melted sugar, so be sure to not touch it with your hands. Sprinkle on fresh thyme leaves.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the aluminum foil, take the potatoes out of the oven and stir again. Place back in the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and golden brown.

Allow cooling for 10-15 minutes before serving. The sweet potatoes are too hot to eat straight out of the oven. Top with some more pepper and thyme before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes. These are easier to slice evenly and will cook more uniformly than very large or small ones.
Slice Evenly: Cut the sweet potatoes into similar thicknesses to ensure they cook evenly. About ¼-inch thick is ideal—thin enough to absorb the flavors but thick enough to hold their shape.
Watch the Bourbon Mixture Carefully: When cooking the butter, brown sugar, and bourbon mixture, allow it to bubble briefly without stirring to develop a caramel-like texture. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Toss with Sauce Thoroughly: Make sure the sweet potato slices are well-coated with the sugar-bourbon sauce before baking. This helps the flavors penetrate the potatoes and creates a beautiful caramelized finish.
Add Fresh Thyme at the End: For the best aroma, save a bit of fresh thyme to sprinkle on just before serving. It enhances the dish with a fresh, herbal touch without overpowering the sweet and spiced flavors.
Cover First, Then Crisp: Covering the dish initially traps steam, helping the potatoes soften. Uncover for the last part of baking to allow the sauce to thicken and glaze the potatoes with a slightly caramelized finish.
Make Ahead Option: If you’re preparing this for a big gathering, you can make it ahead up to the first baking stage, then finish the final 20-minute bake just before serving. This lets you reheat and caramelize all at once!

FAQs

Yes, you can! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the bourbon and add a little extra apple cider or orange juice for depth and sweetness.

Absolutely! Yams will work just as well, but keep in mind that they’re slightly starchier and may take a bit longer to soften. Just check them during baking to ensure they’re tender.

Dried thyme works well, too. Substitute about 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for the fresh sprigs. You can also try rosemary for a slightly different flavor.

To save time, you can prepare the dish up to the first baking stage. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, bring it to room temperature, and complete the final baking step for fresh, caramelized results.

For a twist, you can add mini marshmallows for the last few minutes of baking. They’ll melt and brown quickly, giving you a deliciously gooey topping.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Name: Candied Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup salted butter; ¼ cup bourbon; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp cloves; ½ tsp apple pie spice; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme; 4-5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Time for my absolute favorite holiday side dish recipe - the Candied Sweet Potatoes! Tossed in a spicy butter sauce, these sweet potatoes can pass for a dinner side OR a dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup salted butter
¼ cup bourbon
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp apple pie spice
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
4-5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375℉.
Add butter, brown sugar, bourbon, spices, and black pepper to a skillet and place over medium heat.
Cook the butter and sugar mixture until the butter has melted, stirring all the time. Once the butter has melted, allow to cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring, then remove from the heat.
Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl, then toss together with the butter and sugar mixture.
Transfer potatoes to a baking dish along or cast iron skillet and sprinkle on fresh thyme leaves. Cover with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove foil and stir the potatoes again, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, then serve warm with more fresh thyme and black pepper.

Notes

If you want marshmallows on your sweet potatoes, sprinkle on mini marshmallows when potatoes are done baking. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until marshmallows are the desired color.

For a version with no alcohol, replace bourbon with apple juice or cider.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 536Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 249mgCarbohydrates: 76gFiber: 5gSugar: 54gProtein: 3g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Candied Sweet Potatoes