Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors with these Kentucky Bourbon Sweet Potatoes. This recipe combines the richness of sweet potatoes with the boldness of Kentucky bourbon to create a side dish that is sure to impress. With a hint of smokiness and a touch of sweetness, these sweet potatoes are the ideal complement to any meal. The recipe is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great addition to any holiday or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Kentucky bourbon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, Kentucky bourbon, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the skin off the sweet potatoes and discard.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the bourbon sauce over the sweet potatoes and gently toss until they are well-coated.
- Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.
- Bake the sweet potatoes for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the pecans are lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Interesting Facts
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
Kentucky bourbon is a type of whiskey that is distilled in Kentucky and has a rich, smoky flavor.
The combination of bourbon and sweet potatoes creates a unique flavor profile that is both rich and comforting.