Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient, and baking them with brown sugar adds a delicious caramelized sweetness that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a cozy side dish, a snack, or a sweet treat, these recipes will show you how to bring out the best in sweet potatoes with just a few simple ingredients.
1. Classic Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
This recipe is a comforting, sweet side dish that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then poke several holes in them with a fork.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Once baked, carefully slice each potato open and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Add a tablespoon of butter to each potato, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients gently into the soft potato for a deliciously sweet and spiced flavor.
2. Brown Sugar and Pecan Baked Sweet Potatoes
For a bit of crunch, try this recipe that adds toasted pecans to the mix. Perfect as a holiday side or dessert!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Sprinkle the pecans over the sweet potatoes and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, and the pecans are toasted.
3. Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges
These sweet potato wedges are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a caramelized brown sugar glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Spread the wedges out on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until the wedges are golden and caramelized on the edges.
- Serve hot, and enjoy these deliciously crispy yet tender sweet potato wedges.
4. Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole is a great option for gatherings, with a buttery, brown sugar topping that’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- For the topping, mix together brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly, then add pecans.
- Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potatoes and bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
- Choose Small to Medium Sweet Potatoes: These bake more evenly and tend to be naturally sweeter.
- Use Fresh Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and even ginger can add warmth and depth to your recipes.
- Keep the Skin On: For extra fiber and nutrients, keep the skin on the sweet potatoes when possible.
Enjoy these delicious baked sweet potato recipes with brown sugar for a cozy, sweet addition to your meals!
