Some dishes are more than just food; they’re warm memories on a plate. These Caramelized Sweet Potatoes in Butter & Brown Sugar are exactly that for me. My sweet mother would occasionally whip these up for breakfast alongside smoky sausage, eggs, and toast, and the aroma alone brings back a flood of wonderful memories. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into glistening, tender, and incredibly flavorful bites, creating a dish that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, an irresistible side dish that’s sure to become a cherished part of your own family’s breakfast (or dinner!) traditions.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food genius. What I love most about it is the magical transformation that happens to the sweet potatoes in the skillet. The combination of butter and oil creates the perfect medium for searing the potato slices to a beautiful golden brown, while the brown sugar and cinnamon work together to form a rich, glistening caramel glaze. It’s a symphony of textures—slightly crisp on the outside, incredibly tender and sweet on the inside.

It’s also incredibly versatile. While it makes a fantastic breakfast side, it’s equally at home alongside a holiday meal or as a sweet counterpoint to a savory dinner. The simple ingredients and quick stovetop method mean you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes, bringing a taste of homemade warmth and sweetness to any meal. This dish truly embodies the love and comfort of home cooking.

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted preferred
• 3 sweet potatoes, medium-sized, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup or more dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Swaps and Notes

• Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. You can slice them into rounds or half-moons. Thinner slices will cook faster and be more tender.
• Oil & Butter: The combination of canola oil (for higher smoke point) and butter (for flavor) is ideal. Vegetable oil, olive oil, or even coconut oil can be substituted for canola. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content.
• Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar provides a richer molasses flavor and deeper caramelization. Light brown sugar can be used, but the flavor will be milder. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a classic pairing with sweet potatoes. A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice could also be lovely.
• Optional Enhancements: A tiny pinch of salt sprinkled with the brown sugar can enhance the sweetness. A splash of vanilla extract can be added at the very end for extra aroma.

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Directions:

These caramelized sweet potatoes come together quickly on the stovetop, yielding perfectly tender and glazed slices.

1. Heat Fats: In a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet (cast iron works beautifully), heat the 1/2 cup canola oil and 1/2 cup butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and slightly shimmering.
2. Add Sweet Potatoes & Sear: Carefully add the sliced sweet potatoes to the hot pan in a single layer. You will likely need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam them instead of searing.
3. Cook & Sugar First Side: Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until the sweet potatoes start to soften and achieve a light golden brown. After cooking one side, flip them, and then evenly sprinkle half of the brown sugar and half of the cinnamon over the top surface of each sweet potato slice. Cook for about 1 minuteafter sprinkling.
4. Flip & Sugar Second Side: Turn the sweet potato slices again to cook the sugared side. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon on the uncooked side of each slice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Caramelize & Glaze: As the sugar begins to melt and starts to caramelize, forming a beautiful glaze in the pan, begin to stir the sweet potato slices gently but continuously to coat all of them in the caramel. Keep turning them to prevent burning. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork and thoroughly coated in the rich, sticky glaze.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy them immediately! They are delicious on their own, or as my mother taught me, with smoked sausage.

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Pro Tip:

The key to perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes is to avoid overcrowding the pan and to watch the sugar closely as it melts. Sugar can burn quickly! Cooking in batches ensures each slice gets proper contact with the pan and browns beautifully. And don’t be shy with that final stirring phase—it’s where the magic of the glaze really happens!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Caramelized Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for any meal.

• Breakfast/Brunch: As my mother showed, they’re perfect with smoked sausage, eggs, and toast. They would also be delicious alongside pancakes or waffles.
• Dinner Side: A fantastic sweet-savory side dish for roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled steak.
• Holiday Table: A simpler alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving or other holiday feasts.
• Other Comfort Dishes: They would complement other hearty Southern-inspired meals like my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor or Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole.
• Fall Flavors: If you love the warm spices of fall, consider pairing them with These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat or even some Candied Pecans Recipe.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Caramelized sweet potatoes are best fresh, but leftovers can be enjoyed.

• Storage: Store any leftover caramelized sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The caramel glaze may soften slightly.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, though they won’t be as crisp.
• Best Fresh: For optimal crispness and tenderness, they are best consumed immediately after preparation.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the sweet, comforting, and easy-to-make nature of these caramelized sweet potatoes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another delightful fall-themed sweet treat, check out These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form.
• If you’re a fan of quick and flavorful savory dishes with sausage, my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is a must-try.
• And for another hearty, one-pan meal with sausage and vegetables, consider Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole.

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Final Thoughts

These Caramelized Sweet Potatoes in Butter & Brown Sugar are more than just a recipe; they are a delightful journey back to simple, heartfelt cooking. With their tender texture, sweet glaze, and hint of warm spice, they are a testament to how classic flavors can create lasting memories. Go ahead, make a batch, and let these sweet potatoes become a new cherished tradition in your home!

What are your favorite nostalgic dishes that bring back warm memories? Share your stories and ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.