If you're looking for a sweet and delicious side dish, look no further than candied sweet potatoes! One pound of cooked candied sweet potatoes contains approximately 653 calories, making it a hearty addition to any meal. Candied sweet potatoes are a mainstay of many holiday feasts and family gatherings, and for good reason- they're a crowd-pleaser!

Not only are candied sweet potatoes delicious, they also have some nutritional benefits. One serving provides a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber. However, they can also be quite high in added sugars and calories, so it's important to enjoy them in moderation.

Read on to learn more about how to cook and serve candied sweet potatoes, as well as some fun facts about this classic dish.

What are Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Candied sweet potatoes are a popular side dish, typically made by cooking sliced or cubed sweet potatoes in a flavorful syrup made of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. The sugar in the syrup caramelizes as it cooks, giving the sweet potatoes a sticky, sweet coating that is hard to resist! Candied sweet potatoes are often served during the fall and winter months, and are a beloved addition to many holiday meals. They pair well with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham, and are always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. While sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, the addition of the syrup makes candied sweet potatoes an indulgent treat.

How to Cook Candied Sweet Potatoes?

To cook candied sweet potatoes, start by peeling and slicing or cubing them into bite-sized pieces. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in brown sugar, cinnamon, and other spices of your choice. Add the sweet potatoes and let them simmer in the syrup for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the syrup has thickened. You can also bake candied sweet potatoes in the oven for a crispier finish. Coat the sweet potatoes in the syrup, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once your candied sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection, garnish with chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor.

Nutritional Value of Candied Sweet Potatoes

As mentioned earlier, candied sweet potatoes do offer some nutritional benefits. One serving (100g) contains approximately 116 calories, 30g of carbohydrates, 3g of dietary fiber, and 1.4g of protein. They also provide a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, along with potassium and iron. However, it's worth noting that the addition of the syrup can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content of the dish. Some recipes call for up to 2 cups of brown sugar or marshmallows, making it important to enjoy candied sweet potatoes in moderation. Overall, candied sweet potatoes can be a healthy addition to your diet when prepared in moderation and paired with other nutritious foods.

Are Candied Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

As with any food, the healthfulness of candied sweet potatoes depends on how they are prepared and consumed. While sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, the addition of large amounts of sugar and butter can quickly turn them into a high-calorie, high-sugar treat. However, there are ways to enjoy candied sweet potatoes as part of a healthy diet. Choosing recipes that use less added sugar, swapping butter for healthier fats like olive oil or coconut oil, and pairing them with other nutritious foods like lean protein and vegetables are all good options. So while candied sweet potatoes may not be the healthiest dish on the menu, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Candied sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They pair well with roasted turkey or ham, and can be served alongside other holiday favorites like green bean casserole and stuffing. They also make a great addition to brunch menus, served alongside eggs and bacon. For a fun twist, try using candied sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes in dishes like shepherd's pie or mashed potatoes. They also make a tasty filling for sweet potato pies and other desserts. Overall, candied sweet potatoes can be served in many different ways depending on your taste preferences and the occasion.

Delicious Recipes with Candied Sweet Potatoes

If you're looking for some inspiration for how to use candied sweet potatoes in your cooking, here are a few delicious recipes to try: 1. Candied Sweet Potato Casserole: Layer sliced sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a baking dish. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the sugar has caramelized. 2. Candied Sweet Potato Pecan Pie: Use candied sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes in a classic pecan pie recipe for a rich and indulgent dessert.

Candied Sweet Potatoes vs. Regular Sweet Potatoes

While regular sweet potatoes are already sweet and flavorful, candied sweet potatoes take things to the next level with their sticky, sugary coating. Regular sweet potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or baked with other flavors and spices, while candied sweet potatoes are typically enjoyed as a sweet and indulgent side dish. Both regular and candied sweet potatoes offer similar health benefits, including vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and potassium. However, candied sweet potatoes can be significantly higher in sugar and calories, making them more of a treat than a staple food. Ultimately, choosing between regular and candied sweet potatoes comes down to personal taste and how you plan to use them in your cooking.

History of Candied Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, and it's likely that people have been enjoying them in sweetened form as well. However, the origins of candied sweet potatoes as a modern side dish are unclear. Some food historians speculate that the dish may have originated in the American South, where sweet potatoes have long been a popular crop. Others believe that the dish may have been brought to the US by African slaves, who often used sweetened yams in their cooking. No matter where it came from, candied sweet potatoes have become a beloved part of many American holiday feasts and family gatherings.

Famous Candied Sweet Potato Dishes

Candied sweet potatoes are a classic side dish that can be found on many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables across the US. Here are a few famous dishes that feature candied sweet potatoes: 1. Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: This popular chain restaurant serves up a sweet potato casserole made with a sweet, nutty topping and a creamy, custardy filling. 2. Paula Deen's Candied Sweet Potato Casserole: This recipe from the Queen of Southern cooking features layers of caramelized sweet potatoes and a pecan topping.

Candied Sweet Potatoes as a Thanksgiving Side-Dish

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular occasions for serving candied sweet potatoes. The dish pairs well with classic Thanksgiving staples like roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, and adds a touch of sweetness to the meal. Many families have their own secret recipes for candied sweet potatoes, passed down from generation to generation. Whether you're a fan of the marshmallow-topped variety or prefer a simpler syrup-based recipe, candied sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering. So why not try adding this classic comfort food to your Thanksgiving menu this year? Your guests are sure to be grateful!