Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a mind-blowing culinary experience that'll have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! These Bourbon Butter Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that combines the rich warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of caramelized brown sugar, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked sweet potatoes. Get ready to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary with this show-stopping recipe that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bourbon and brown sugar to the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth, caramel-like sauce.
- Sprinkle in the cinnamon and a pinch of salt, whisking to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them completely in a colander and return them to the pot.
- Pour the bourbon butter sauce over the hot sweet potatoes and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Transfer the glazed sweet potatoes to a serving dish and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and absorb.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with a light sprinkle of additional cinnamon or fresh chopped herbs if desired.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This helps guarantee that every piece is tender and perfectly glazed.
- Bourbon Matters: Use a good quality bourbon that you'd enjoy drinking. The flavor will come through in the sauce, so choose wisely.
- Sauce Consistency: Keep a close eye on your bourbon butter sauce while whisking. You want a smooth, glossy consistency that will beautifully coat the sweet potatoes.
- Don't Overcook: Be careful not to boil the sweet potatoes too long. They should be tender but not mushy – about 12-15 minutes is typically perfect.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing with some fresh thyme or chopped pecans to add a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sweet potatoes and sauce separately ahead of time and combine just before serving to save on last-minute cooking stress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
