Molasses Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Glazed Sweet Potatoes are the best Thanksgiving side dish! With rich molasses flavor and a toasty pecan marshmallow topping, these sweet potatoes have everyone coming back for seconds.

For many, sweet potato casserole is an absolute must at Thanksgiving. Others I know won’t touch the orange flesh of these tubers with a 10-foot pole. 

I’m firmly on Team Sweet Potato! For years and years, I served a version of sweet potatoes boiled and topped with butter and marshmallows. It was a perfectly good side dish but nothing to write home about. 

Then, I discovered Molasses Glazed Sweet Potatoes.

The buttery maple glaze on these potatoes is simply divine. I added a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes. 

You sprinkle them with mini marshmallows and pecans for a nice crunch, then bake until the top is golden and bubbly. Pure sweet potato heaven! 

Ingredients for Glazed Sweet Potatoes

These molasses glazed sweet potatoes only need a handful of simple but flavorful ingredients, readily available at grocery stores. Here’s what you need:

• fresh sweet potatoes
• molasses
• cinnamon
• light brown sugar (though dark brown sugar is okay too!)
• butter
• pecan pieces – toast them if you’d like!
• miniature marshmallows

Make sure to review the recipe card at the end of the post for detailed amounts of each ingredient.

How to Make My Molasses Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

This sweet potato casserole is a two-part recipe: first, you boil, then you prepare and bake it.

1. First, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 9 X 13-inch baking dish (or large casserole dish) by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of water to a low boil on the stove.
2. Place the whole sweet potatoes into boiling water. Cook them for approximately 25 minutes over medium-high heat until they are just fork tender.
3. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool until they can be easily peeled by hand. The skin will easily come off at this point. Cut the sweet potatoes into small cubes with a sharp knife and place them in a large bowl.
4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the molasses, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the sugar mixture over the potatoes. Toss to coat the potatoes in the glaze.
5. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle the pecans over the potatoes, then cover the top of the casserole with marshmallows.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve!

Recipe Variations

• If you prefer sweet potato slices instead of cubes, that’s fine! 
• You can also cook the sweet potatoes a little longer, then mash them before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.
• You can use maple syrup instead of molasses.
• Season your potatoes with a little sea salt and fresh ground pepper to provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Some people like to add some brightness to the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of orange juice.

FAQs

How do I store leftover Sweet Potatoes?

Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze this side dish before baking it. However, you should leave off the toppings if you plan to freeze this. Marshmallows just don’t hold up in the freezer.

Prepare the recipe as directed until you get to the point where you add toppings and bake. Instead, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge, then add the topping and bake as directed.

Should I peel the sweet potatoes before boiling them?

You certainly can, but you don’t need to as it may be a bit more difficult and time consuming! Save yourself a step and add the potatoes whole to boiling water. Cook until tender  (but not mushy) and the skin will slide right off. It’s the best way to prep sweet potatoes!

Can I make this Candied Sweet Potato Recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time! It’s delicious served at room temperature or you can reheat it in the oven before serving. 

If you want to prep the casserole in advance, follow the recipe up until the point where you would add toppings. Instead, wrap it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Remove it from the fridge, add the toppings, and bake as directed.

More Potato Side Dishes

Do you love potatoes as much as I do? 

These Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are another of my family’s favorite starchy side dishes. Roasting brings out a smoky flavor to complement the sweet flavors of the maple and sugar.

For those who prefer potatoes of the salty savory variety, Twice Baked Potatoes win the day. Or grab a masher and put these  Roasted Smashed Potatoes with Cheese on your holiday table! 

Feel like elevating your ordinary mashed potatoes this year? My Vanilla Mashed Potatoes offer a surprising and undeniably tasty twist on the classic side dish. 

More Side Dish Recipes

Ask me to name my favorite Thanksgiving side dish and I’ll probably name ten different foods, depending on my mood. While I LOVE a good roast turkey, it’s a delicious side dish that gets me excited for the meal. 

These side dishes are a perfect addition to your holiday meal this season:

• These copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls are maybe the best yeast rolls I’ve ever eaten. Use them to soak up all that extra gravy or spread them with cinnamon honey butter. You can’t go wrong with this great recipe! 
• Both these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and these Classic Roasted Brussels Sprouts will turn even sprout skeptics into believers! 
• I don’t make green bean casserole, but I do have this recipe for 3 Bean Salad that is lovely!

Try these other favorites too!

• Macaroni and Cheese
• Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites
• Loaded Red Bliss Potato Salad
• Butternut Spinach Multi-Grain Medley
• Asiago Herb Biscuits
• Cornbread Muffins
• Oven Roasted Potatoes

 Don’t forget the Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie for dessert! What are your favorite recipes for the holidays?

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