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This hearty glazed sweet potato dish has been my family's holiday table staple for years. The combination of honey-glazed sweet potatoes with candied pecans creates a showstopping side that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
I first made this recipe when hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and now it's the dish I'm specifically requested to bring to every family holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show providing natural sweetness and beautiful color
- Pecans: Add essential crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft sweet potatoes
- Honey: Creates the gorgeous glaze while adding floral sweetness
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Provide classic warm spice notes that make this dish feel like home
- Cayenne pepper: Adds unexpected warmth that balances the sweetness perfectly
- Whiskey: Deepens the flavor profile with complex caramel notes
- Apples: Provide tartness that cuts through the richness and adds textural contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
- Place whole scrubbed sweet potatoes directly on aluminum foil in a 375°F oven for 45-60 minutes until slightly soft but not fully cooked through. Allow to cool enough to handle, remove skins, and cut into chunks.
- Create the Candied Pecan Glaze:
- Toast pecans in a medium skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add butter and coconut oil, then incorporate honey and spices. Let the mixture bubble for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes aromatic.
- Add the Whiskey:
- Standing back from the pan, carefully pour in the whiskey. The mixture will bubble vigorously which is normal. Allow it to simmer for 5 more minutes until slightly reduced but still pourable.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Arrange sweet potato chunks and diced apples in an alternating pattern in a greased baking dish. Pour the warm whiskey pecan glaze evenly over everything. Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
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The whiskey component is truly what makes this dish special in my family. My grandmother was known for her cooking with spirits, and this recipe always reminds me of her holiday table where this dish had a place of honor.
Make-Ahead Magic
This dish shines as a holiday preparation because you can do most of the work ahead of time. Prepare the sweet potatoes and apples up to a day in advance, storing them arranged in your baking dish and tightly covered in the refrigerator. The potatoes may oxidize slightly but it won't affect flavor. Prepare the glaze just before baking for best results. Alternatively, bake the entire dish up to three hours before serving and gently rewarm in the oven when ready to eat.
Whiskey Selection Matters
While the recipe works with various whiskeys, each brings a unique character to the dish. Makers Mark adds a sweeter profile with vanilla notes that really complement the honey. Irish whiskey contributes a lighter, smoother quality that lets the spices shine through. Bourbon, particularly Bulleit, introduces deeper caramel and oak flavors that create a more complex finished dish. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute apple cider with a splash of vanilla extract, though you'll miss some of the depth.
Serving Suggestions
These glazed sweet potatoes pair beautifully with traditional holiday proteins like turkey or ham, but they're equally at home alongside a simple roast chicken for Sunday dinner. For a complete meal, serve with something green and slightly bitter like sautéed Brussels sprouts or a kale salad to balance the sweetness. The leftovers, if you're lucky enough to have any, make an incredible base for breakfast the next day. Simply warm them up and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the whiskey in this dish?
Yes, you can replace whiskey with apple juice or cider for a non-alcoholic option without losing the depth of flavor.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sweet potatoes and apples, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Add the glaze and bake before serving.
- → What type of apples work best?
Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Cortland. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.
- → Can I skip the pecans for a nut-free version?
Yes, you can omit pecans or replace them with seeds, such as toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for added crunch.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.