The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There’s nothing like a dish of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your holiday table. These tender sweet potatoes are coated in a rich, buttery syrup with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors.

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This recipe has been a family favorite for generations – I remember my grandmother making it every Thanksgiving and Christmas. The smell of the spices filling the kitchen was enough to make our mouths water. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy meal, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to become a beloved part of your own family traditions.

Why You’ll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, a holiday favorite that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Here’s why this recipe is bound to be a hit at your next gathering:

First, these sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare. With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a side dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

They’re perfectly sweet and buttery, with a warm syrup that coats each piece of potato in a mouthwatering glaze. This recipe doesn’t rely on marshmallows or other extras – it’s all about letting the rich, natural sweetness of the potatoes shine through with the help of brown sugar and spices.

These candied sweet potatoes are also versatile and budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can make a crowd-pleasing side that fits perfectly alongside roasted meats, stuffing, and greens.

Finally, they’re simply irresistible. The tender potatoes combined with a thick, caramelized glaze create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes each one special.

• Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with orange flesh, as they’re naturally sweet and cook up tender. You’ll want to peel and slice them into thick rounds for this recipe.
• Butter: Butter is essential in creating the rich, caramel-like sauce that coats the sweet potatoes. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor, allowing you to control the salt in the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives these sweet potatoes their signature sweetness and depth. It melts into a syrupy glaze that complements the natural sugars in the potatoes.
• Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the dish. These spices are classic Southern flavors that pair beautifully with sweet potatoes, creating a cozy aroma as they cook.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract elevates the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness. It might seem small, but it brings a wonderful complexity to the dish.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, though a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish is recommended for even cooking.

How to Make These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Making Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is a breeze, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds about ½-inch thick. This size is ideal because it allows the potatoes to cook evenly and soak up all the flavors without becoming too soft.
2. Create the Syrup: In a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup begins to bubble slightly.
3. Add the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the sweet potato slices in the syrup, turning each one to coat both sides with the buttery sugar mixture. This will ensure that every bite is covered in that delicious glaze. Pour in a little water (about ¼ cup) to help the syrup thicken as it cooks.
4. Bake Until Tender: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through. The potatoes are done when they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork. The syrup should be thickened and bubbly, coating the sweet potatoes in a caramel-like glaze.
5. Finish with Vanilla: As soon as you take the skillet out of the oven, add a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup and give it a quick stir. This step enhances the flavor without overpowering the sweet, spiced notes.

Serve these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes warm, spooning a little extra syrup over each serving. You’ll love how the sweet and buttery sauce clings to each piece, creating a truly decadent side dish.

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers, these candied sweet potatoes store beautifully for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled sweet potatoes and syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
• Freezer: These sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with a tight seal. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the oven.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can also prepare these a day in advance. Follow all steps up to baking, then cover and refrigerate the potatoes and syrup separately. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

There’s plenty of room to customize these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Add a Citrus Twist: A bit of orange zest or a splash of orange juice in the syrup brings a bright, fresh flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Swap Sweeteners: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute maple syrup or honey. Maple syrup brings a smoky sweetness, while honey offers floral notes that blend well with the spices.
• Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans over the potatoes halfway through baking. They’ll toast in the oven, adding a delicious, nutty crunch to each bite.
• Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the syrup. It’s a subtle addition that brings a hint of warmth and depth to the dish.
• Marshmallow Topping: If you love a traditional marshmallow topping, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the sweet potatoes in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt and caramelize, adding an extra layer of sweetness.

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are sure to be a hit with their luscious, buttery sauce and perfectly spiced flavor. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or as a weeknight treat, they’ll bring a taste of Southern comfort to every bite!

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