Twice baked candied sweet potatoes are like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the richness of brown sugar and butter, creating an irresistible scent that beckons everyone to the table. These delightful treats are not just food; they are memories waiting to happen, perfect for cozy family gatherings or holiday feasts.
Picture this: you sit down with loved ones, ready to dive into a dish that will make your taste buds dance. Each bite reveals a symphony of flavors—sweetness balanced by a hint of nuttiness and warmth from spices. Trust me, once you try these twice baked candied sweet potatoes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them during Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
- The mouthwatering flavor profile combines sweet and savory elements that everyone will love.
- Beautifully presented, these sweet potatoes add color and charm to your dinner table.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a dessert, they can fit any meal perfectly.
Ingredients for Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for even baking; they should feel firm and heavy for their size.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish; it’s key for achieving that creamy texture.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar work well here; it adds depth and sweetness to the potatoes.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon intensifies the cozy flavors, making each bite comforting.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the sweetness; choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch and richness; toast them lightly for extra flavor before adding.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Bake Whole Sweet Potatoes
Place the whole sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and bake them for about 45-60 minutes until they’re tender enough to pierce with a fork. The sweet smell will start filling your kitchen—try not to eat them all now!
Step 3: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the sweet potatoes cool slightly until you can handle them safely. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving enough around the edges for structure.
Step 4: Mix It Up
In the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and crushed pecans. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy—taste it now if you dare!
Step 5: Stuff Those Skins
Spoon the mashed mixture back into each potato skin generously. Feel free to pile it on high—no one’s judging here!
Step 6: Final Bake
Return your stuffed sweet potato halves to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through and slightly caramelized on top. The anticipation will be unbearable!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra melted butter or a sprinkle more of brown sugar if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy every delectable bite of your twice baked candied sweet potatoes!
You Must Know
- Twice baked candied sweet potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re a celebration on your plate.
- Their caramelized sweetness and fluffy texture make them perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners.
- Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of sweet potatoes baking in the oven?
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender, about 45-60 minutes. Once cooked, scoop out the insides, mix with butter and sugar, then return to their skins for a second bake. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap brown sugar for maple syrup or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. You can also toss in some pecans or marshmallows on top for a delightful crunch or gooeyness. Customize these twice baked candied sweet potatoes to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover twice baked candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until heated through, preserving that delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect twice baked candied sweet potatoes, choose firm, medium-sized potatoes for even cooking.
- Always let them cool slightly before handling to avoid burns.
- And don’t skip the second bake; it intensifies the flavors and creates that signature caramelization!
I remember making these twice baked candied sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving last year. My family was so impressed that they asked me to make them every holiday from then on! It’s moments like these that keep my kitchen filled with laughter and love.
FAQs:
What are Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes are a delicious side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich topping. After baking the sweet potatoes until tender, you scoop out the flesh and mix it with butter, brown sugar, and spices before returning it to the skins for a second bake. This method enhances the flavors and creates a delightful texture that is perfect for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
How do I store leftover Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes?
To store your leftover Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer; just reheat before serving.
Can I customize the toppings for Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes often include marshmallows or pecans as toppings for Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes, you can get creative. Consider adding chopped walnuts, cinnamon, or even mini chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with flavors by incorporating maple syrup or coconut for an extra twist that will impress your family and friends.
Are Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes healthy?
Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes can be a healthier option if prepared mindfully. Sweet potatoes themselves are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium. To make them healthier, consider reducing sugar or using alternatives like honey or maple syrup. You can also add spices like cinnamon instead of relying solely on sweeteners to enhance their flavor without adding extra calories.
Conclusion for Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes:
Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes are an indulgent yet simple dish that brings comfort to any meal. With their perfectly creamy filling and delightful toppings, they shine at festive gatherings or family dinners alike. By customizing ingredients and utilizing healthier substitutes, you can cater this recipe to fit various dietary preferences while keeping its essence intact. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or dessert, these sweet potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your home!
Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes
Twice Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, blending the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with creamy butter, brown sugar, and warm spices. Baked to perfection for a caramelized finish, these delightful treats are perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. Whether served as an indulgent side dish or a dessert, they are sure to become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Side Dish/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Bake whole sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes until tender. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Combine the sweet potato flesh with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans; mix until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider sprinkling mini marshmallows or walnuts on top before the final bake. To make it healthier, reduce sugar or substitute with maple syrup.
