Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into tender, caramelized sweet potatoes brown sugar slices, glistening with a rich, buttery sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with warm spices. This decadent sweet potatoes brown sugar recipe transforms humble root vegetables into an irresistible side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal. The combination of creamy texture and sweet-spicy flavors creates a comfort food classic that appeals to everyone from picky eaters to culinary enthusiasts. You’ll learn how to create perfectly tender sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious brown sugar sauce that will have your family requesting this dish again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet potatoes brown sugar recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. The magic happens when the natural sweetness of the potatoes mingles with the rich brown sugar sauce, creating a dish with incredible depth of flavor despite its straightforward preparation. You’ll appreciate the gorgeous texture contrast between the meltingly soft potato slices and the slightly caramelized edges where the sauce has worked its magic.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with holiday meals alongside turkey or ham, yet is simple enough for weeknight dinners. The recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other dishes while your oven transforms these humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

The warm spice profile of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the natural flavors of sweet potatoes without overwhelming them. And if you choose to add the optional marshmallow topping, you’ll get that nostalgic sweet potato casserole experience with a more refined approach and balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients List for the Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe

These carefully selected ingredients create the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors that make this dish so irresistible. The combination of brown sugar and warm spices enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes while the heavy cream creates an indulgent sauce.

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds), peeled and thinly sliced (⅛ inch thick)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional for topping)

Pro Tips

Mastering this sweet potatoes brown sugar recipe comes down to a few critical techniques that elevate it from good to exceptional:

Slice thickness matters: The ⅛-inch thickness specified isn’t arbitrary—it’s the sweet spot for texture. Thicker slices won’t cook through properly, while thinner ones might disintegrate. For perfect consistency, consider using a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thickness throughout.

The sauce technique: When making the brown sugar sauce, patience is key. Cook it over medium heat, never high, and whisk constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. This prevents graininess and ensures a silky-smooth sauce that perfectly coats each potato slice.

Layering method: Rather than randomly piling the potato slices, take time to arrange them in slightly overlapping rows. This creates better sauce distribution and ensures even cooking. For the most impressive presentation, start at the outer edge and work your way inward in a spiral pattern.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Slice the sweet potatoes
Peel and thinly slice sweet potatoes to about ⅛-inch thickness for even baking. Layer them neatly in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.

Step 3: Make the brown sugar sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and the sugar has dissolved completely.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Pour the warm sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, using a spatula to gently coat all slices.

Step 5: Bake covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Bake uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 7: Optional marshmallow topping
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top. Bake until golden and gooey.

Step 8: Serve
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh herbs if desired.

Variations

The beauty of this sweet potatoes brown sugar dish lies in its adaptability. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Pecan Crunch Topping: For a delightful textural contrast, mix ½ cup chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potatoes during the final 15 minutes of baking for a crispy, nutty topping that adds wonderful dimension to the creamy potatoes.

Bourbon-Infused: Add a sophisticated twist by stirring 2 tablespoons of quality bourbon into the brown sugar sauce before pouring it over the sweet potatoes. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a subtle caramel-vanilla complexity that pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar sweet potatoes.

Dairy-Free Option: Create a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using coconut oil instead of butter. This adaptation maintains the luxurious mouthfeel while accommodating dietary restrictions and adding a subtle tropical note to the flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

This sweet potatoes brown sugar recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday planning. Once cooled completely, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will maintain its quality for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the texture may become slightly softer when thawed.

For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven method better preserves the sauce consistency.

For serving, this dish pairs magnificently with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or pork tenderloin for holiday meals. For everyday dinners, serve alongside simple grilled chicken or a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed portobello mushrooms. For a complete comfort food experience, pair these brown sugar sweet potatoes with green beans and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this sweet potatoes brown sugar recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Despite common confusion, most orange “yams” sold in U.S. supermarkets are actually sweet potatoes. True yams have a starchier texture and less sweetness. This recipe works best with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, but true yams would require additional sugar and longer cooking time.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.

Why are my sweet potatoes still hard after baking?
This typically happens if the slices are too thick or if your oven temperature is inaccurate. Always check for doneness with a fork before removing from the oven, and continue baking in 5-minute increments if needed.

What’s the best type of brown sugar to use?
Dark brown sugar has a deeper molasses flavor that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully, but light brown sugar works well too. Either will create a delicious sweet potatoes brown sugar dish that your family will love.

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