These Bourbon Sweet Potatoes are a deliciously elevated twist on classic candied sweet potatoes.
Naturally rich in fiber and plant-based nutrients, they provide lasting energy while keeping saturated fat low.
Sweetened with maple syrup and infused with bourbon, they’re topped with crunchy pecans for healthy fats.
Quick to prepare and baked in one dish, they make a satisfying, everyday-friendly side.
Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 large 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
- 1 glass measuring cup
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes sliced ¼ inch thick
- ½ cup bourbon
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt to taste (about ½–¾ teaspoon fine sea salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup pecans toasted and chopped
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).While the oven is warming, prepare a large 9×13-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This ensures the sweet potatoes won’t stick and makes cleanup much easier. Set the dish aside for the next step.
- Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Carefully wash and peel 3 pounds of sweet potatoes.Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the sweet potatoes into even ¼-inch rounds. Consistent thickness is key so that all slices cook evenly. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish in slightly overlapping layers for a visually appealing presentation.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle the sweet potato slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For most people, about ½ to ¾ teaspoon of fine sea salt works beautifully. The seasoning helps balance the sweetness of the maple-bourbon glaze and enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- Prepare the Bourbon Maple Glaze: In a glass measuring cup or small mixing bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in ½ cup of maple syrup, ½ cup of bourbon, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined, creating a rich, aromatic glaze.
- Pour the Glaze Over the Potatoes: Evenly pour the bourbon maple glaze over the sweet potato slices, making sure each slice is coated. Gently use a spoon to spread the liquid around the dish so the glaze reaches the bottom and sides. This step ensures each potato absorbs maximum flavor during baking.
- Initial Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes initially to allow the glaze to start soaking into the sweet potatoes. Keep the oven door closed to maintain even heat, and allow the aroma of bourbon and cinnamon to fill your kitchen.
- Mid-Bake Glaze Reapplication: After about 25–30 minutes, remove the dish carefully from the oven. Using a spoon or spatula, gently lift and turn some of the sweet potato slices, or spoon the sauce from the bottom of the dish over the top. This step ensures all slices are evenly coated and caramelizing beautifully. Return the dish to the oven.
- Finish Baking Until Tender: Continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a fork into a slice. The sweet potatoes should be soft, tender, and infused with the rich glaze. The total bake time is usually between 45–60 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of your slices.
- Toast the Pecans: While the sweet potatoes finish baking, toast ⅓ cup of chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly. Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness to balance the sweet glaze.
- Add Final Toppings: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, remove the dish from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top, followed by a light pinch of flaky sea salt for a finishing touch. The flaky salt enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful texture contrast.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the Bourbon Sweet Potatoes to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm as a comforting side for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or meal prep for the week. Spoon carefully onto plates, making sure each serving includes sweet potato slices, sauce, and pecan topping for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Sweet potato thickness matters: slicing into even ¼-inch rounds ensures even cooking.
- Bourbon adds depth: use a quality bourbon for best flavor, or swap for rum or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Maple syrup sweetness: adjust to taste depending on the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes.
- Toast pecans carefully: they can burn quickly, so stir constantly while toasting.
- Make ahead friendly: the dish can be prepped a day in advance, then baked just before serving
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Flavor
The key to these Bourbon Sweet Potatoes lies in layering flavors.
Start with properly seasoned sweet potatoes—salt and pepper enhance their natural sweetness.
The bourbon-maple glaze should be whisked thoroughly to ensure the butter is fully emulsified, which helps it coat each slice evenly.
During baking, basting the potatoes with the sauce halfway through ensures that every layer absorbs the rich, spiced sweetness.
Toasting the pecans right before serving elevates the dish with a warm, nutty aroma and satisfying crunch.
For extra depth, try adding a hint of orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions For Every Meal
These sweet potatoes shine as a festive side or a simple weeknight treat.
Pair them with roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
They also work beautifully on a holiday table alongside cranberry sauce and green beans.
For a more casual option, serve alongside black beans, quinoa, or a leafy green salad to make a nutrient-rich, fiber-packed dinner.
Leftovers can even be repurposed as a hearty breakfast hash or blended into a creamy soup.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store cooled Bourbon Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to maintain texture and prevent the glaze from burning, or microwave in short intervals for convenience.
The pecans are best added fresh before serving, as they can soften over time.
For longer storage, sweet potatoes can be frozen in portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve the rich flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the bourbon with apple juice, orange juice, or a non-alcoholic bourbon-style syrup. The sweetness and depth of flavor remain, but without the alcohol content.
2. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
Insert a fork into a slice—it should slide in easily without resistance. The edges may caramelize slightly, but the interior should be tender and moist.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely. You can slice the sweet potatoes and prepare the glaze up to a day ahead. Keep everything refrigerated and assemble just before baking. This saves time and enhances convenience.
4. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well. Toast them lightly to bring out their natural oils and enhance the flavor. Pecans, however, provide the classic holiday-style crunch and richness.
5. Can I adjust sweetness or spices?
Definitely. Maple syrup can be reduced for less sweetness or replaced with honey or agave. Adjust cinnamon or allspice according to your taste—start small and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the natural sweet potato flavor.
