My Roasted Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes are irresistibly cozy. They’re sweet, cinnamon-kissed, and lusciously caramelized. This is an easy side dish brings that holiday magic with none of the fuss and all of the flavor.
We love sweet potatoes in this family. I love to find new ways to incorporate them into my families meals. They love my Maple Syrup Sweet Potatoes and my Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, give them a try.
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Why this Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Recipe is a Keeper
If you love sweet potatoes, you’re going to love my oven roasted recipe because it’ quick and easy, and makes the perfect side dish for Christmas. These sweet potatoes are always a hit.
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe is simple to make yet looks and tastes impressive, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Perfect Balance: The classic sweet potato blend of sweet and savory flavors, create a complex flavor profile that complements a wide range of main dishes. The caramelized warm flavors are sheer perfection.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once the potatoes are in the oven, you’re free to focus on other parts of your meal, making it a low-stress side dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The comforting, caramelized flavor is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable addition to any gathering.
- Highly Adaptable: The base recipe is easy to customize with different spices, herbs, or toppings to match your personal taste or the main course you’re serving.
- Turn into Mashed Potatoes: The leftovers are great for turning into brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes.
Is it Necessary to Peel the Baked Sweet Potatoes?
No, but it’s recommended to peel them for an even texture. However, you can make them however you like as long as they are cut into uniform pieces.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is one recipe I go back to ALL the time, it is ridiculously delicious and so easy !”
~ Shelley
Ingredient Notes for Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
This recipe uses easy to find, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cubed Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube into 1-inch pieces or use thin sweet potato slices.
- Spices: Use spices such as nutmeg, ginger, brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Liquid Sweeteners & Fat: Melted butter and honey combine for caramelized glazing.
Variations and Substitutions for the Side Dish
This recipe is super easy to customize. I like to take it to the next level by using different ingredients or trying different flavors.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some added heat.
- Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds an earthy, savory note that complements the sweetness.
- Make it Savory: For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar and add a savory element like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Topping: If you wanted, you could top with marshmallows.
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This recipe comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. This recipe is so good, it’s a great one to have on deck during the busy holiday season.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Seasoning: Place peeled and chopped sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Mix together the brown sugar, nutmeg, salt, ground cinnamon and ginger. Sprinkle over the sweet potato chunks.
- Melt Butter and Honey: In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and honey. Microwave until melted, then drizzle over the seasoned potatoes.
- Preheat your Oven: Roast in a preheated oven until potatoes are tender and caramelized.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Caramelized Sweet Potatoes
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space when preparing the Thanksgiving table.
- Peel and Cut: You can peel and cut the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. Place the potatoes in an air tight container.
- Prevent Browning: To keep the cut sweet potatoes from browning, store them submerged in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator.
- Dry Completely: Before tossing them with the oil and brown sugar mixture, make sure to pat the sweet potatoes completely dry. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy exterior.
Alternate Cooking Methods for the Glazed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is best in the oven, but here’s how to switch it up by using your air fryer or stovetop.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Toss the potatoes with the oil and brown sugar mixture. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- Stovetop: You can cube the sweet potatoes and cook them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and seasonings towards the end of cooking to create a glaze. This method will not produce the same caramelized texture as roasting but is a good alternative.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Store: Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in a skillet on the stovetop to restore some of their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they may become softer.
- Use Leftovers: There are so many ways to enjoy leftovers!
- Hash: Add them to a hash with other vegetables and a fried egg.
- Breakfast: Mash them and use them as a base for sweet potato pancakes or waffles.
- Salad: Toss them into a salad for a boost of flavor and texture.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Turn leftovers into a casserole by following my Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams recipe.
Common Questions About This Sweet Potato Side Dish
You can leave the skins on to have crispy brown sugar glazed potatoes. You can also preheat your pan to get a good sear.
If your brown sugar isn’t melting right, you may have wanted to add more liquid, or distribute it better.
Expert Tips for Making Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Don’t Skimp on the Oil: The oil helps the potatoes get a beautiful, crispy exterior and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
- Cut Uniform Pieces: This ensures that all the sweet potatoes cook evenly and are tender at the same time.
- Season Generously: A pinch of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhance the overall flavor.
- Don’t Stir Too Much: Tossing the potatoes just once or twice during cooking allows them to develop a nice crust on the side that’s touching the pan.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs, Maple Sweet Potatoes or Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole.
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Roasted Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 3 Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Place chopped sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt; sprinkle evenly over sweet potatoes.
- Place butter and honey in a small microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 15-30 seconds until melted.
- Drizzle over the sweet potatoes.
- Roast for 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are for tender and caramelized.
Christina’s Notes
- Cut Even Cubes: Keep sweet potato cubes roughly the same size so they roast evenly and crisp up at the same time.
- Flip Halfway Through: Stir the potatoes halfway through roasting to prevent burning and get that perfect caramelization on all sides.
- Use Parchment or Foil: Makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the sweet potatoes space so they roast, not steam.
- Customize It: Add pecans, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of maple syrup for your own signature twist.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Absolutely delicious! Left the skins on too. Perfect flavoring and baked up crispy on the outside and tender inside. Leftovers are just as delicious!
I don’t like sweet potatoes…I LOVE these sweet potatoes.
Excellent post.
Thanks
big hit. I like not using too much sugar
So glad you enjoyed them!
I made this recipe and everyone loved it and I making it again because they loved it so much
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Easy to make and delicious! Perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year really!
This is one recipe I go back to ALL the time, it is ridiculously delicious! And so easy !
Is the roasting temp and time the same if you are using a convection oven?
I would cut back by 5 minutes and check them.
I added 1/2 cup of pecans but followed the remainder of the recipe. One word: phenomenal. Ridiculously delicious and will make again!!
Absolutely delicious! The outside has is nice and crispy and the inside of each piece is wonderfully sweet. Just the right amount of seasonings.
so glad you enjoyed it!