If you are looking for a cozy, delicious side dish that will become a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Sweet, buttery, and bursting with warm spices, this casserole combines tender sweet potatoes with a luscious glaze made from orange juice, maple syrup, and brown sugar, topped with crunchy pecans that add the perfect final touch. It’s comfort food at its finest and works beautifully for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three raw sweet potatoes with brownish-orange skin placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small white bowls and a metal measuring cup. One white bowl holds light brown sugar, another has chopped pecans, and a third contains a small amount of cinnamon powder. The metal measuring cup is filled with amber-colored maple syrup, and next to it is a small glass bowl filled with a yellow-orange liquid, likely melted butter or orange juice. A stick of butter with a wrapper is also visible, placed near the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the rich butter and the bright hint of citrus.

2 lb sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that gorgeous glaze coating the potatoes.
1 cup orange juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the dish remarkably.
½ cup maple syrup or honey: Provides deep, natural sweetness and compliments the earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes.
½ cup brown sugar: Gives a molasses undertone and helps caramelize the topping perfectly.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that adds comforting complexity without overwhelming.
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped: Offers a delicious crunch and a nutty finish to balance the softness of the sweet potatoes.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. While the oven warms, wash and peel your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Next, slice them into thin rounds about ⅛ inch thick. This thin slicing is key—it helps the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the luscious glaze, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Step 2: Arrange the Sweet Potatoes in the Casserole Dish

Carefully layer the sliced sweet potatoes in a 3-quart casserole dish. Overlapping the edges to form four to five neat columns creates a beautiful pattern and ensures the potatoes cook uniformly. This little detail also makes for an elegant presentation that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Step 3: Make the Glaze and Pour It Over

In a microwave-safe measuring cup, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the fresh orange juice and maple syrup until everything is well combined. This glossy, flavorful mixture is what will infuse the sweet potatoes with moisture, sweetness, and that subtle citrus zing. Pour it evenly over the potato slices for maximum coverage.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and moisture, which helps the sweet potatoes begin to soften. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step starts the cooking process gently and allows the potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.

Step 5: Add the Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Topping

While the casserole bakes, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and roughly chopped pecans in a medium bowl. After the initial baking, remove the foil and sprinkle this sweet, crunchy topping evenly over the partially baked sweet potatoes. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. This final bake softens the potatoes to perfect tenderness while caramelizing the topping to a lovely golden crisp.

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

A white baking dish with a teal handle filled with one layer of thick, round, orange sweet potato slices arranged closely together. The sweet potatoes are glazed with a shiny, dark caramel sauce that pools slightly around the edges, giving it a glossy look. Scattered on top are small chunks of toasted brown pecans, adding texture and contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with some loose pecans and a small bowl of pecans nearby. The light highlights the caramel's shine and the sweet potatoes' soft texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra toasted pecans on top adds a fresh pop of color and crunch, elevating the presentation and texture. For an extra touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of additional maple syrup can enhance the glossy coating perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as turkey, ham, or chicken, making it a classic addition to holiday tables. It also complements green vegetable sides like sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, balancing richness with vibrant, earthy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal portions at dinner parties. You could also add a sprinkle of mini marshmallows on top during the last five minutes of baking to create a festive, gooey finish everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste amazing the next day warmed up.

Freezing

This casserole freezes quite well. Wrap it securely in foil or transfer to an airtight container before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover casserole in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This gentle reheating helps maintain the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes and keeps the pecan topping delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes are ideal for texture and flavor, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust baking time since canned ones are already cooked.

Is there a vegan option for this Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, add the pecan topping and bake as instructed.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use another nut?

Of course! Walnuts or almonds make fantastic alternatives that provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for the best taste.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

They should be fork-tender and easily pierced with a knife after the final baking step. The texture should be soft but still hold their shape nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together for a magnificent dish. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet meal, it’s sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite side dish that everyone will keep asking for!