Ingredients
Scale
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6–8 medium)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
Optional Toppings:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Wash, peel, and slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds
- Place sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning while preparing the glaze
- Make the Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter
- Add both brown and granulated sugars, stirring until dissolved
- Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt
- Stir in water and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened
- Remove from heat
- Assembly:
- Drain sweet potatoes and pat dry
- Arrange half the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish
- Pour half the glaze over the potatoes
- Layer remaining potatoes and pour remaining glaze on top
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil
- Baking:
- Bake covered for 45 minutes
- Remove foil and bake for additional 25-30 minutes
- Baste potatoes with glaze from the bottom of the dish every 10 minutes
- If using marshmallows, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking
- Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes to brown marshmallows (watch carefully)
Notes
- Selection Tips:
- Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking
- Garnet or Jewel varieties work best
- Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance
- Store covered in refrigerator
- Reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
- Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Variations:
- Add ¼ cup bourbon to glaze for extra flavor
- Include orange zest for citrus notes
- Top with buttered pecan mixture instead of marshmallows
- Success Tips:
- Keep potato slices uniform for even cooking
- Don’t skip the basting steps
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
- If glaze is too thick, add hot water 1 tablespoon at a time
- Prep Time: 30min
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Soul Food/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg