Crispy Brown Sugar Potatoes Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic Spuds

Caramelized brown sugar potatoes offer a delightful twist on classic side dishes that might surprise you.

Sweet meets savory in this unexpected culinary creation.

Tender potato chunks glistening with a rich, amber glaze that hints at complex flavors.

Comfort food takes an exciting turn with this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of earthy potato goodness and delicate sweetness that dances across your palate.

Home cooks searching for something beyond ordinary potato preparations will adore this game-changing approach.

Warm up your kitchen and spark conversation around the dinner table with these irresistible potatoes that elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Pairing Suggestions For Brown Sugar Potatoes

• Pair with Smoky Pulled Pork: The sweet and caramelized brown sugar potatoes create a perfect complement to rich, tender pulled pork, balancing the savory meat with their sugary glaze.
• Chill with Crisp Apple Cider: The refreshing, slightly tart apple cider cuts through the sweetness of the potatoes, providing a cool and balanced drink pairing that enhances the overall flavor experience.
• Match with Roasted Herb Chicken: The caramelized potatoes add a delightful sweet dimension to the classic roasted chicken, creating a harmonious blend of herbaceous and sugary notes on the plate.
• Sip Pinot Noir Alongside: A light-bodied red wine with subtle fruit undertones perfectly matches the sweet and savory profile of the brown sugar potatoes, elevating the entire meal's complexity.

Ways To Change Up Brown Sugar Potatoes

• Maple Bacon Fusion: Crisp chopped bacon adds smoky richness to the brown sugar glaze, creating a sweet and savory combination that elevates the potato's flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Roast: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the brown sugar mixture for an aromatic twist that brings earthy undertones to the caramelized potatoes.
• Spicy Cayenne Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the glaze to introduce a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet brown sugar coating.
• Mediterranean Blend: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives over the roasted potatoes after baking, adding a tangy Mediterranean touch to the caramelized dish.

Questions About Brown Sugar Potatoes

• Why use brown sugar for potatoes?

Brown sugar adds a delightful caramelized sweetness that creates a unique flavor profile, balancing the savory potato with a subtle, rich glaze that creates an irresistible crispy exterior.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! Yukon gold, red potatoes, or fingerling potatoes work perfectly. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking and make sure to cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

• Is smoked paprika necessary for the recipe?

While smoked paprika isn’t mandatory, it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and complexity to the brown sugar glaze. If you don’t have it, you can skip it without compromising the overall taste of the dish.

• How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re golden brown, caramelized on the edges, and can be easily pierced with a fork. They should have a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior.

Why Brown Sugar Potatoes Are Worth Making

• Caramelize with Ease: Transform ordinary potatoes into a sweet and savory side dish that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor in just 30 minutes.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy perfectly crispy exteriors with a soft, buttery interior that creates an irresistible contrast between crunchy caramelization and tender potato goodness.
• Flavor Explosion: Indulge in a delightful blend of rich brown sugar, smoky paprika, and subtle saltiness that elevates simple potatoes into a gourmet-style side dish everyone will love.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events, these brown sugar potatoes complement almost any main course with their universally appealing taste and simple preparation.

Ingredients Needed For Brown Sugar Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy and sweet base for the dish, choose firm and waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright color and fresh herbal note.

• Butter: Helps create smooth glaze and provides rich flavor, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel sweetness and helps create delicious caramelization.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the glaze.

• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that provides subtle smoky depth to the brown sugar glaze.

How To Cook Brown Sugar Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Potato Prep

Wash the potatoes under cool running water and give them a gentle pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. If the potatoes are looking extra large, slice them in half so they cook evenly and get crispy all over.

Step 3: Create the Sweet and Savory Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika (optional but recommended)

Stir the mixture until it transforms into a smooth, slightly thickened sauce that looks glossy and inviting.

Step 4: Coat the Potatoes in Deliciousness

Dump the potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the top and give everything a good toss. Make sure each potato is completely covered in the sticky, sweet mixture.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Spread the glazed potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking dish. Pop them into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give them a quick stir to ensure even caramelization and golden-brown edges.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull the potatoes out of the oven when they’re tender and glistening with a beautiful caramel-like coating. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve these sweet and savory potatoes while they’re warm and irresistible.

Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Best Tips For Brown Sugar Potatoes

• Customize Potato Size: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization across all pieces.
• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or a well-greased baking dish to keep potatoes from adhering to the surface and maintain their crispy exterior.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like cayenne, garlic powder, or rosemary to add depth and personalize the brown sugar glaze.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on preference – less for a subtle sweetness, more for intense caramelization.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil for vegan-friendly version, and use coconut sugar for alternative sweetener options.

How To Store Brown Sugar Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Store leftover brown sugar potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the potatoes completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and prevents drying out.
• Microwave Option: Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Freezing Tips: These potatoes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Brown Sugar Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Brown Sugar Potatoes elevate comfort dining with caramelized sweetness and rustic charm. Crispy edges and rich glaze promise a memorable side dish that delights hungry guests seeking familiar yet extraordinary flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) baby potatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly cleanse the potatoes under cool running water, then meticulously dry them with paper towels. Slice larger potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Create a luscious caramelizing glaze by gently melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually incorporate brown sugar, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika for depth of flavor. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy consistency.
4. Transfer the potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl, then cascade the warm, aromatic glaze over them. Gently toss the potatoes using a spatula, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly coated with the sweet and savory mixture.
5. Arrange the glazed potatoes in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, allowing ample space between each piece for optimal caramelization. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes.
6. Midway through cooking, carefully rotate and redistribute the potatoes to promote uniform browning and prevent potential burning. Look for a golden-brown exterior and tender interior as indicators of doneness.
7. Once roasted to perfection, remove from the oven and let rest for a few moments. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

• Experiment with different potato varieties like Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Adjust the sweetness by reducing brown sugar for a more savory version or adding extra for a candied effect.
• Use olive oil instead of butter to make the recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly, maintaining the caramelization process.
• Crush some pecans or almonds and sprinkle on top before baking for an added crunch and nutty dimension to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 307
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg