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Cozy Bourbon Sweet Potatoes

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A warm, decadent holiday side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes glazed with a silky bourbon-spiced sauce. Perfect for festive gatherings and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (smooth, mid-shelf brand like Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut 3 large sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, keeping pieces uniform for even cooking (about 10 minutes).
  2. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain well.
  3. In the same pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Let bubble for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  4. Add the drained sweet potatoes back into the pan with the glaze. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if using. Adjust salt to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow glaze to soak in.
  6. If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving for added crunch.

Notes

Do not overcook sweet potatoes; they should hold their shape for best texture. Simmer glaze on medium heat to avoid burning sugar. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. Nuts are optional and can be toasted for extra flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and brown sugar with coconut sugar. Bourbon alcohol mostly cooks off during simmering. For alcohol-free version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or extra vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, sweet potato recipe, bourbon glaze, Thanksgiving side, Christmas side, easy sweet potatoes

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/cozy-bourbon-sweet-potatoes-recipe-easy-perfect-holiday-side-dish/