Name: Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb. sweet potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. ground ginger; Pinch of nutmeg; 2 tsp. bourbon (optional); 1 tablespoon water

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that brings cozy warmth, a touch of sweetness, and a little bit of a boozy kick, you’ve got to try my Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe. This recipe has become a family favorite that I love whipping up, especially around the holidays, but honestly, it’s perfect any time you want something comforting yet special. The sweet potatoes soak up this luscious bourbon-spiked glaze that’s sticky, rich, and absolutely addictive. Stick around—I’ll share the exact steps, tips, and personal tricks that make this recipe a total winner every single time.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The blend of warm spices and bourbon creates a glaze that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Simple Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, the recipe comes together effortlessly—even on busy days.
Perfect Texture: The sweet potatoes bake up tender with a glossy, sticky finish that’s irresistible.
Great for Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits beautifully on holiday tables or casual family dinners alike.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with thick, round slices of cooked sweet potatoes. The sweet potato slices are covered in a shiny, dark caramel-like sauce that makes them look glossy and soft. The slices are arranged closely together, slightly overlapping, and their orange color is rich and warm, enhanced by the dark syrup. The sauce pools around the edges of the slices, filling the bottom of the dish, and the texture looks smooth and sticky. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze, bourbon sweet potato side dish, holiday sweet potato recipes, caramelized sweet potatoes with bourbon, easy bourbon glazed sweet potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients blend beautifully to highlight the natural sweetness of the potatoes while layering in some warm spices and that boozy bourbon depth. Plus, you can find these ingredients pretty easily—try to use fresh spices for the brightest flavors!

Flat lay of peeled sweet potatoes cut into thick rounds, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of ground ginger, a small white bowl with a pinch of fine nutmeg powder, a small white bowl containing clear bourbon liquid, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze, bourbon sweet potato side dish, holiday sweet potato recipes, caramelized sweet potatoes with bourbon, easy bourbon glazed sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized ones for even cooking and easy slicing.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements the potatoes perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Gives a rich, creamy base for the glaze—melt it first for easy mixing.
Maple syrup: This adds an extra layer of natural sweetness and depth.
Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the savory notes.
Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth with that classic fall flavor.
Ground ginger: Offers a subtle spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch here adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Bourbon (optional): This is what elevates the glaze—adds smoky, complex notes and makes it special.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how forgiving and customizable this Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe is. I often tweak it based on what I have or to suit different tastes—feel free to experiment, and make it your own!

Make it vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and use maple syrup alone to keep things sticky and sweet.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or black pepper adds a surprising warmth that my adventurous eaters adore.
Nut topping: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on before baking add a satisfying crunch—and my family goes crazy for this combo.
Bourbon-free option: If you want to skip alcohol, just omit the bourbon—your dish will still be luscious and flavorful.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes and Glaze

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them into about ½-inch thick rounds. I like uniform slices because they bake evenly and look great served. Next, whisk together your brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, a tablespoon of water, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and bourbon if you’re using it. This is where all those lovely flavors marry and create a sticky, delicious glaze. Make sure to stir it well so the sugar dissolves and everything blends smoothly.

Step 2: Toss and Arrange

Dump your sweet potatoes into the bowl with the glaze and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. This is a step you don’t want to rush—make sure every slice gets enveloped in that glorious mixture. Then pour everything into a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish, spreading the potatoes out in an even layer. Don’t forget to pour any leftover glaze over the top to keep things moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Bake and Baste

Pop the casserole dish in your preheated oven at 400ºF. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze has thickened into that signature sticky coating. Every 15 minutes, take the dish out and give everything a gentle stir—this helps the glaze cook evenly and avoid burning on the edges. Patience here really pays off and ensures the best texture and flavor.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let the candied sweet potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This little wait allows the glaze to settle and thicken just a bit more, so when you dig in, it’s perfectly sticky and mouthwatering. Trust me, this step makes a big difference!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Use Fresh Spices: I learned that using freshly ground cinnamon and ginger really brightens the flavor far better than pre-ground that’s been sitting on a shelf.
Consistent Slicing: Uniform sweet potato rounds ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from getting mushy while others remain hard.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring during baking distributes the glaze so none of those sugars burn on the edges—it keeps everything lick-the-bowl good.
Choose Quality Bourbon: A decent-quality bourbon makes a noticeable difference; it adds complexity without overpowering the dish.

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a frying pan with twelve round, thick slices of sweet potato cooking in hot oil. Each slice has a shiny, smooth surface covered with tiny bubbles, giving a glossy and slightly wet look. The slices are arranged closely together, filling the pan, and their color is a rich, deep orange with darker edges where they meet the pan. The pan has a slightly worn metallic texture with some oil splatters around the sweet potatoes. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze, bourbon sweet potato side dish, holiday sweet potato recipes, caramelized sweet potatoes with bourbon, easy bourbon glazed sweet potatoes

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts—they add a great crunch and nutty contrast to the sweet, tender potatoes. Fresh chopped parsley or a few rosemary sprigs on the side also elevate the presentation and add a subtle herbaceous note that balances the dish.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this candied sweet potato dish with classic roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham. It also plays nicely alongside green beans, simple roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp autumn salad. If you’re going cozy comfort food route, mashed gravy-smothered meatloaf works beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes serve these in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of crunchy pecans and a rosemary sprig on top. Another time, I layered the candied sweet potatoes with a dollop of whipped maple butter on top for a decadent presentation that guests could’t stop talking about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They keep beautifully for up to 4 days. When I warm leftovers, the potatoes are just as tender and the glaze still sticky, if not more so, which feels like a bonus!

Freezing

Freezing candied sweet potatoes is doable but I prefer to freeze only if I have a big batch. I cool them completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. They’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a low oven (about 300ºF) covered with foil to keep moisture in for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover loosely, heat in short bursts, stirring gently in between to keep the glaze from drying out.

FAQs

Can I omit the bourbon from the Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! The bourbon adds a lovely depth and warmth, but it’s optional. If you skip it, the glaze will still be deliciously sweet and spiced. You can also use a splash of vanilla extract or apple cider as alternatives to keep some complexity.
What’s the best way to slice sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Slice your sweet potatoes into evenly sized rounds about ½-inch thick. This thickness helps them cook through evenly while still holding their shape and soaking up the glaze without getting mushy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze, toss them, and arrange everything in the casserole dish a day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake just before serving. This makes holiday meal prep a breeze.
How do I avoid burning the glaze while baking?

Make sure to stir the sweet potatoes gently every 15 minutes during baking to redistribute the glaze. This prevents sugar from settling and burning on the edges, keeping the potatoes perfectly sticky and caramelized.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s that perfect combination of sweet, cozy, and a little bit indulgent. The first time I made it, my family couldn’t get enough, and it’s been a staple ever since. I hope you try it out and discover how easy it is to nail something that tastes so fancy but comes together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday table or just treating yourself, you’re going to love this dish as much as I do!