Get ready to create a dish that’s as comforting as a cherished family memory! These Caramelized Sweet Potatoes in Butter & Brown Sugar are wonderfully tender, subtly sweet, and boast a beautiful caramelized glaze. Cooked in a skillet until golden and infused with warming cinnamon, they are a simple yet utterly irresistible side dish that’s perfect for breakfast, a holiday meal, or any time you crave a taste of pure nostalgia.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe for Caramelized Sweet Potatoes holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the simple, comforting meals my sweet mother would occasionally make for breakfast. What I love most is how effortlessly it transforms humble sweet potatoes into something truly extraordinary. The combination of sautéing in butter and canola oil ensures the potatoes get beautifully tender, while the generous sprinkle of dark brown sugar and cinnamon creates an incredible, sticky, caramelized glaze that coats every slice. The “keep turning” method ensures even cooking and prevents burning, building layers of flavor. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare, smells divine as it cooks, and always brings a sense of warmth and delicious satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Caramelized Sweet Potatoes:
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), unsalted recommended
- 3 sweet potatoes, medium-sized, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup or more dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Swaps and Notes
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Slicing them into consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds is crucial for even cooking and tender results.
- Canola Oil & Butter: The combination of oil and butter is perfect: the oil allows for higher heat without burning, while the butter adds incredible flavor and helps with caramelization. Unsalted butter is preferred to control saltiness.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and contributes significantly to the rich caramelization. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a classic pairing with sweet potatoes, adding a warm, aromatic note. A tiny pinch of nutmeg or allspice could also be added.
- Large Frying Pan/Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or a non-stick pan) is ideal for this recipe to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Serving Suggestion: As noted, delicious with smoked sausage, eggs, and toast for a hearty breakfast.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Caramelized Sweet Potatoes cooking!
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the 3 medium sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Heat Fats: In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the 1/2 cup canola oil and 1/2 cup butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering.
- Initial Cook & Season: Add the sweet potato slices to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the potatoes instead of caramelizing them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they start to soften slightly and get a light golden color.
- First Sugar & Cinnamon Sprinkle: Once lightly cooked on both sides, sprinkle a generous amount of dark brown sugar (about half of your 1/2 cup or more) and half of the 1 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the top surface of each sweet potato slice. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the sugar to start melting.
- Flip & Second Sprinkle: Carefully turn each sweet potato slice. Sprinkle the remaining dark brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the second side. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Caramelize & Tenderize: When the sugar starts to visibly caramelize and form a sticky glaze on the potatoes, gently stir the sweet potato slices in the pan to ensure they are all coated with the delicious caramel. Continue turning them frequently to prevent burning, letting them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they are fork-tender and beautifully glazed. The total cooking time will be approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on your heat and the thickness of the slices.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy these warm, sweet, and tender sweet potatoes! They are delicious with smoked sausage, eggs, and toast for breakfast, or as a side with dinner.
Tips for Success
- Consistent Slices: Ensure your sweet potato slices are uniformly thick for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents proper caramelization.
- Medium Heat: Maintain medium heat. This allows the sweet potatoes to cook through and become tender without burning the sugar.
- Watch for Caramelization: Sugars can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on the potatoes once the brown sugar is added, stirring and turning frequently.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can increase the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- Serve Warm: These caramelized sweet potatoes are best enjoyed hot, when the glaze is perfectly sticky and the potatoes are tender.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Caramelized Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and perfect for:
- Breakfast or Brunch: A fantastic addition alongside savory breakfast meats like smoked sausage or bacon, and eggs.
- Holiday Side Dish: A delicious alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Dessert: A simple and satisfying sweet treat on its own, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Main Dish Pairing: Complements roasted pork, chicken, or ham beautifully.
- For other delightful sweet potato dishes, consider our Sweet Potato Ricotta Bites.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and glaze.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The caramel glaze may firm up slightly when cold, and the potatoes will soften further.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need a tiny splash of water or butter to help loosen the glaze if reheating on the stovetop.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended as the texture of cooked sweet potatoes and the caramelized glaze can change significantly upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, tender, and comforting nature of these caramelized sweet potatoes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free sweet treats and fall-inspired recipes:
- For another beloved apple treat, try our These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat In Bite-Sized Form.
- If you’re a fan of quick and fun apple-themed desserts, our These Caramel Apple Nachos Are My Favorite Quick Fall Dessert Trick are perfect for sharing.
- For a delightful no-bake fall dessert, our This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a winner.
- And for a sweet and comforting quick bread, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Final Thoughts
These Caramelized Sweet Potatoes in Butter & Brown Sugar are a brilliant testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little warmth and care, can create a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish. They’re perfect for bringing a touch of homemade sweetness and cherished memories to your table.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas and flavors transport you! What are your favorite nostalgic breakfast dishes from childhood? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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