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Pan-Roasted Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes Recipe


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

A festive and flavorful side dish featuring caramelized sweet potatoes drizzled with a rich bourbon glaze, garnished with toasted pecans, parsley, and pomegranate seeds for a vibrant holiday touch.


Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch-thick rounds

Seasonings

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Bourbon Glaze

  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Juice and zest of 1/2 lime

Cooking and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  • Boil Sweet Potatoes
    • Place sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water.
    • Add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 6–7 minutes.
    • Drain the potatoes and transfer to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
  • Prepare Bourbon Glaze
    • In a medium sauté pan, combine bourbon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and ground ginger.
    • Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the alcohol cooks out.
    • Stir in butter until smooth. Add lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Pan-Roast Sweet Potatoes
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add sweet potato rounds in a single layer. Cook for 4 minutes until golden and caramelized.
    • Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes until fully caramelized. Transfer to a serving platter.
  • Finish and Serve
    • Reheat the bourbon glaze if needed, then stir in toasted pecans and parsley.
    • Drizzle the glaze over the sweet potatoes. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and lime zest.

Notes

  • Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute bourbon with apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic glaze.
  • Make Ahead: Boil the sweet potatoes and prepare the glaze in advance. Pan-roast and assemble just before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Pan-Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
  • Calories: ~250 per serving