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Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 90 reviews

This Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is a deliciously sweet and tender side dish that combines slices of sweet potatoes baked with a luscious syrup made from orange juice, maple syrup, and butter. Topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced pecan mixture, it’s the perfect complement to any festive meal or family dinner, melting in your mouth with every bite.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Base

  • 2 lb sweet potatoes
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey

Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
  2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds approximately ⅛ inch thick for even cooking and layering.
  3. Arrange in Casserole Dish: Lay the sweet potato slices in a 3-quart casserole dish, overlapping the ends to create 4-5 neat columns.
  4. Make the Syrup Mixture: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Stir in the orange juice and maple syrup until well combined to form a glossy, sweet syrup.
  5. Pour and Cover: Evenly pour the syrup mixture over the sweet potato slices, ensuring all are coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
  7. Add Topping and Continue Baking: Remove the foil after 30 minutes, sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, and bake uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the topping is caramelized.
  8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of soft sweet potatoes and crunchy topping.

Notes

  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
  • Using honey as an alternative to maple syrup will give the casserole a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
  • Make sure the sweet potato slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Covering the casserole during the first bake prevents the sweet potatoes from drying out.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the syrup set slightly for perfect slicing.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian