Glazed Sweet Potatoes
This easy recipe creates tender glazed sweet potatoes, perfect as a comforting side dish. Sweet potato wedges are baked until tender in a rich, buttery glaze made with brown sugar and maple syrup, then finished with a touch of nutmeg. It's a simple yet delicious addition to any meal, particularly fitting for holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Whisk or Spoon for making the glaze
Ingredients
Main
- 4 tablespoons butter plus 1 tablespoon for greasing
- 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes peeled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
- Cut each of the yams into 8 evenly shaped wedges. Lay them out in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and allow to dissolve. Mix in syrup and cook until smooth. Pour the glaze over the yams and sprinkle with nutmeg.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork but they still hold their shape.
Notes
For best results, ensure all sweet potato wedges are cut to a uniform size to promote even cooking; this prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked. While the recipe calls for covering with foil, briefly removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking can allow the glaze to slightly reduce and caramelize, intensifying its flavor and creating a beautiful sticky finish. A small pinch of ground cinnamon or a hint of orange zest added to the glaze can further elevate the aromatic profile of this classic side dish. Avoid over-baking, as the sweet potatoes should be tender yet still hold their shape, maintaining a pleasing texture.