Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

While I eat sweet potatoes a lot throughout the entire year, Thanksgiving is the one time I embrace the most decadent way of making them. Yes, I’m talking about going all out with butter and sugar and whole lotta love. I could talk about how sweet potatoes don’t need sugar, but Thanksgiving is the one day a year that goes out the window for me.

My mom and I always make individually candied sweet potatoes together for Thanksgiving, but it’s quite time consuming to decorate each slice with the right little dab of butter and the perfect sprinkle of brown sugar. So I thought… what if I kept that same concept but made it easier? The casserole was the perfect solution. The top of the sweet potatoes gets perfectly crispy and a little crunchy, and the center just becomes deliciously sweet and soft.

101 to Succeeding with Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Choose Sweet Potatoes Wisely:

Opt for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for their sweetness and creamy texture.

Uniform Slicing:

Thin, even slices ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can help achieve perfect consistency.

Layer for Flavor:

Overlapping the slices slightly allows the butter and sugar to melt through each layer, enhancing the caramelization.

Don’t Skip the Broil:

The high heat at the end gives the dish its signature crispy topping—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Season to Taste:

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor even more!

How to make Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes

• Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/4 inch). Aim for uniform slices for even cooking.

Step 3: Arrange Sweet Potatoes in Casserole Dish

• Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a casserole dish, overlapping slightly like shingles.

Step 4: Add Melted Butter

• Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the sweet potatoes.

Step 5: Sweeten the Potatoes

• Sprinkle the brown sugar over the sweet potatoes, making sure to work some of the sugar between the slices for added flavor.

Step 6: Add Cubed Butter

• Dot the casserole with cubed butter, spreading the pieces evenly across the top.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 8: Broil for Crispness

• Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) or switch to a broil setting.
• Broil for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is caramelized and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair it with your favorite protein for a comforting side dish.

Recipe Notes

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
• Butter Substitutes: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crisp topping.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 7 reviews

• Author: Lauren Nolan
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Diet: Vegetarian, Omnivore

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Description

Crispy edges and caramelized centers make this sweet potato casserole irresistible. A simple side dish thats surprisingly elegant.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 3 tbsp cubed butter
• 1/4 cups (55 g) packed brown sugar
• Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/4 inch). Aim for uniform slices for even cooking.
3. Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a casserole dish, overlapping slightly like shingles.
4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the sweet potatoes.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the sweet potatoes, making sure to work some of the sugar between the slices for added flavor.
6. Dot the casserole with cubed butter, spreading the pieces evenly across the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
8. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) or switch to a broil setting. Broil for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is caramelized and slightly crispy.
9. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For extra caramelization, use a dark brown sugar.
• To prevent sticking, lightly grease your casserole dish before arranging the sweet potatoes.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20
• Sodium: 100
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 10

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