Name: Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-489386H48M44S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb. sweet potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. ground ginger; Pinch of nutmeg; 2 tsp. bourbon (optional); 1 tbsp. water

If you’re anything like me, you adore a good side dish that feels cozy and a little fancy at the same time. That’s exactly why this Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe has won a special place in my kitchen and on my holiday table. It’s sweet, a bit boozy, and totally irresistible—your sweet potatoes get bathed in a luscious, caramelized bourbon glaze that’s just *chef’s kiss*. I can’t wait to walk you through this recipe because once you try it, your whole family will be begging for seconds.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Warm Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with maple syrup and brown sugar creates a cozy flavor that feels like a warm hug.
Easy Yet Impressive: You don’t need to be a pro cook to nail this dish — just follow the steps and enjoy watching magic happen in your oven.
Bourbon Adds an Adult Twist: The splash of bourbon takes it from simple candied sweet potatoes to something that feels indulgent and special.
Great for Holiday or Weeknight Meals: Whether it’s the holidays or just a cozy dinner, this recipe fits right in and always impresses.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with thick, round slices of cooked sweet potatoes. The sweet potato slices are covered in a shiny, dark caramel-like sauce that makes them look glossy and soft. The slices are arranged closely together, slightly overlapping, and their orange color is rich and warm, enhanced by the dark syrup. The sauce pools around the edges of the slices, filling the bottom of the dish, and the texture looks smooth and sticky. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze, bourbon glazed sweet potatoes, holiday side dish recipes, caramelized sweet potatoes, easy festive side dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

I always say the best dishes start with fresh, quality ingredients and this Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe is no exception. Each one plays its part, from the earthy sweet potatoes to the buttery glaze that coats every slice. Here’s a quick heads-up on what to look for when you shop.

Flat lay of peeled sweet potatoes cut into thick rounds, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of ground ginger, a small white bowl with a pinch of fine nutmeg powder, a small white bowl containing clear bourbon liquid, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze, bourbon glazed sweet potatoes, holiday side dish recipes, caramelized sweet potatoes, easy festive side dishes

Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin for even cooking and consistent texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Gives you control over the salt level and adds rich creaminess to the glaze.
Maple syrup: For that natural sweetness and a lovely, sticky finish.
Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness, making all the flavors pop.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice.
Ground ginger: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way for aromatic depth.
Bourbon (optional): This is the secret ingredient I first tried on a whim—it gives the glaze a sophisticated, caramel note that’s unforgettable.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing recipes, and this Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe offers plenty of room for your creativity. Sometimes I add nuts for crunch, other times I swap maple syrup for honey. Don’t hesitate to make this one your own!

Add Toasted Pecans: I sprinkle these over the top just before serving for an irresistible texture contrast—my family goes nuts for it.
Make it Vegan: You can easily swap the butter for coconut oil and skip the bourbon to keep it plant-based and still delicious.
Use Different Spices: Playing with allspice or cloves can give you fun seasonal twists, especially around fall and winter.
Try Roasting Cubes: If you want a different texture, cube the sweet potatoes and roast them instead of slicing; it shortens the bake time and makes for perfect bite-sized pieces.

How to Make Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes and Glaze

First things first—preheat your oven to 400ºF. While it’s warming up, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. This thickness lets them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious glaze without turning mushy. Then, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, a bit of water, kosher salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and if you’re feeling adventurous, bourbon. My secret? Adding just 2 teaspoons of bourbon boosts the flavor without overpowering the dish.

Step 2: Toss Sweet Potatoes in the Glaze

Dump those sweet potato rounds right into the glaze and toss everything gently but thoroughly—this is how each piece gets that gorgeous, sticky coating. Then transfer everything into a 13×9-inch casserole dish, spreading the potatoes out into an even layer. Pour any leftover glaze over the top, so no sweet potato gets left behind!

Step 3: Bake and Glaze to Perfection

Bake your sweet potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes. Here’s where patience pays off: every 15 minutes, give everything a gentle stir to make sure the potatoes soak up the glaze evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when those sweet potatoes are fork-tender, and the glaze has thickened into a sticky, caramelized sauce that coats each bite perfectly. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes. I know it’s hard to wait, but this step helps the glaze set just right—it’s worth it!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Slice Evenly: Uniform slices make sure your sweet potatoes cook evenly without some pieces turning mushy while others are still firm.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring every 15 minutes prevents the glaze from burning at the bottom and helps every slice soak up flavor.
Use Fresh Spices: I’ve found freshly ground cinnamon and ginger make all the difference in unlocking truly vibrant flavors.
Control the Bourbon: Adding bourbon is optional; start with a small amount and adjust in future batches based on your taste and your guests’ preferences.

How to Serve Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a frying pan with twelve round, thick slices of sweet potato cooking in hot oil. Each slice has a shiny, smooth surface covered with tiny bubbles, giving a glossy and slightly wet look. The slices are arranged closely together, filling the pan, and their color is a rich, deep orange with darker edges where they meet the pan. The pan has a slightly worn metallic texture with some oil splatters around the sweet potatoes. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze, bourbon glazed sweet potatoes, holiday side dish recipes, caramelized sweet potatoes, easy festive side dishes

Garnishes

When I’m serving this dish, I love topping it off with a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts—it adds a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a little chopped parsley across the top brings a pop of color and brightness that I truly appreciate on the plate.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines next to my favorite roasted turkey or glazed ham, but it also pairs wonderfully with roasted green beans, sautéed brussels sprouts, or even a crisp, refreshing salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I sometimes mound the glazed sweet potatoes into a pretty serving bowl lined with fresh herbs, or arrange the slices in an overlapping fan shape on a platter. Drizzling any remaining bourbon glaze on top right before serving makes it look as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend spreading the glazed sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet first and freezing them individually before packing into freezer-safe bags. This prevents the slices from sticking together and makes reheating easier.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the sweet potatoes into a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps them from drying out and helps the glaze regain its sticky glory. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter.

FAQs

Can I make this Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The bourbon adds a unique flavor, but it’s optional. You can simply leave it out, and your sweet potatoes will still be deliciously sticky and sweet thanks to the maple syrup and brown sugar glaze.
What’s the best way to peel sweet potatoes easily?

I love using a sharp vegetable peeler designed for tougher skins. If the potatoes are fresh, the skin comes off smoothly. For super stubborn spots, a quick simmer in boiling water for a couple of minutes can help loosen the skin before peeling.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this glaze recipe?

While canned sweet potatoes are convenient, I recommend fresh for this recipe since you want firm slices that can hold up to baking without becoming mushy. If you do use canned, be gentle and watch the cooking time carefully to avoid over-softening.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover the casserole dish tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Glaze Recipe really is one of those dishes that brings comfort and a touch of elegance to the table. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why simplicity combined with a few good ingredients never fails to impress. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—not just on holidays but whenever you need a little sweet, spicy, buttery magic in your life. Trust me, this one will become a quick favorite with your family and friends.