Oh, let me tell you about these brown sugar potatoes! They’re an absolute delight and a fantastic side dish that even beginners can whip up in no time. The combination of sweet brown sugar and tender potatoes creates a flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! You won’t believe how easy this recipe is—just a few simple steps and you’ll have a delicious side ready to impress your family or friends. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple at your dinner table. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this sweet adventure of flavor!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds of small potatoes, washed and halved
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of water
How to Prepare Brown Sugar Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready! Start by washing them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Once they’re nice and clean, cut them in half. If you’re using small potatoes, halving them is perfect for ensuring they cook evenly. You want them about the same size, so they all get that delicious flavor and tenderness. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Now, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Add in your 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and let it melt down. It’s key to keep the heat at medium; you don’t want the butter to burn! Just give it a minute or so, and you’ll have that lovely, golden melted butter ready to work its magic.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Once the butter is melted, it’s time to add the sweet stuff! Stir in the 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix everything together until the sugar dissolves. You’ll notice the sweet and spicy aroma filling your kitchen—trust me, it smells heavenly!
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Now, carefully add your halved potatoes into the pot. It’s important to give them a good stir to coat every piece evenly in that delicious sauce. Once they’re all covered, pop a lid on the pot and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes. Don’t forget to stir them occasionally! This will help them cook through and soak up all that yummy flavor.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After about 20 minutes, it’s time for my favorite part—checking if they’re done! Grab a fork and gently pierce one of the potatoes. If it goes in easily, you’re golden! If not, give them a few more minutes. You want them tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them!
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Once your potatoes are tender, remove the lid and let the sauce thicken for another 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that perfect consistency—thick enough to cling to the potatoes but still pourable. Just give it a gentle stir and watch as it becomes even more delicious. And there you have it—your brown sugar potatoes are almost ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your brown sugar potatoes turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skip the washing step—clean potatoes are key to a delicious dish. And remember, when you’re cutting them in half, aim for uniform sizes; this helps them cook evenly and absorb that sweet sauce like a champ.
Now, when you’re melting the butter, keep an eye on it! Medium heat is your best friend here; if it starts to brown too much, you might end up with a burnt flavor. Also, don’t rush the sauce-making process. Stirring until the sugar completely dissolves is super important—trust me, it makes a difference!
While your potatoes are cooking, remember to stir occasionally. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures that every potato gets its fair share of that tasty sauce. And be careful not to overcook them! A fork should easily pierce the potatoes, but they shouldn’t be falling apart. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a sweet and satisfying side dish that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delightful brown sugar potatoes. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any adjustments you make to the recipe.
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This recipe makes about 4 servings, making it a sweet side dish that everyone can enjoy! Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a special gathering, these numbers will help you keep track of those delicious bites.
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While small potatoes are my go-to for this recipe, you can definitely use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. If you opt for larger potatoes, you might want to chop them into quarters instead of halves to ensure they cook through properly. Trust me, any potato can shine with this sweet brown sugar coating!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You sure can! If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the brown sugar potatoes ahead of time. Just cook them as instructed, then let them cool and transfer them to an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce a bit. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!
What can I serve with brown sugar potatoes?
These brown sugar potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish! They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, adding that sweet contrast to savory flavors. You can also serve them alongside grilled veggies or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving can add a lovely pop of color and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time!
- Sweet and Savory: The delightful blend of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible.
- Perfect for Beginners: This recipe is a fantastic starting point for new cooks, allowing you to gain confidence in the kitchen.
- Versatile Side Dish: These brown sugar potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes, making them a go-to for any meal.
- Family Favorite: Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds when you serve these sweet, tender potatoes!
Once you try them, I bet you’ll find yourself making them again and again! They’re just that good!
For more delicious potato recipes, check out this link for easy beginner-friendly options.
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of potatoes, you can read more here.
Print
Brown Sugar Potatoes: 5 Simple Steps to Delightful Flavor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for brown sugar potatoes, perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of small potatoes
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water to the pot.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them evenly.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check if the potatoes are tender with a fork.
- Remove the lid and let the sauce thicken for another 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy your brown sugar potatoes!
Notes
- Use small or baby potatoes for best results.
- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: brown sugar potatoes, easy potato recipe, beginner potato dish
