The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Homestyle Bliss

Sweet potato lovers rejoice when savory meets sugary in this southern candied sweet potatoes masterpiece!

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these caramelized delights as comfort food royalty.

Generations of cooks have perfected this simple yet magical dish that turns humble roots into something extraordinary.

Rich brown sugar and warm spices create a glaze that will make you swoon with every forkful.

Buttery, golden edges hint at the delectable transformation happening in your skillet.

Crispy on the outside and velvety smooth inside, these sweet potatoes bring pure Southern charm to your dinner table.

A single bite transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen, where love and butter reign supreme.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various sweet potato varieties like garnet, jewel, or Japanese sweet potatoes. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

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

The sweet potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized. They should be soft but not mushy, with a rich golden-brown color.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The traditional recipe contains dairy and sugar. For a healthier version, you can substitute butter with coconut oil and use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

• What makes the glaze so special in this Southern candied sweet potatoes recipe?

The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a rich, caramelized glaze that perfectly coats the sweet potatoes, giving them a deep, indulgent flavor.

Candied Sweet Potatoes That Steal The Show

• Quick Comfort Creation: Requires only 15 minutes of active cooking time, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers a sweet, nostalgic taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals.
• Versatile Serving Option: Can be prepared ahead of time and easily reheated, making it ideal for potlucks, thanksgiving, and large family celebrations.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that forms the foundation of the dish, best when orange-fleshed and firm with smooth skin.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Natural sweeteners that create a rich, caramelized coating, with brown sugar adding deeper molasses notes.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugars and create a syrupy consistency.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet potato's natural sweetness, with cinnamon offering a more prominent flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Optional ingredient that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Method

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F and get ready for a delightful Southern treat.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Sweet Potatoes

Create beautiful thin slices of sweet potatoes and spread them evenly in a baking dish.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Caramel Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter
• Water
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth sauce.

Step 4: Shower Potatoes with Sweet Goodness

Pour the magical glaze over the sweet potato slices, ensuring every slice gets a generous coating.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Cover the baking dish with foil and let the potatoes bake for 45-50 minutes.

Give them an occasional gentle stir to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor development.

Step 6: Caramelize and Finish

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an extra 10 minutes.

This final touch will create a gorgeous caramelized surface that’s irresistibly golden and crispy.

Step 7: Add Final Flourish

Optional but recommended: Splash in some vanilla extract, give a gentle stir, and serve these heavenly sweet potatoes warm, straight from the oven.

How to Get Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Just Right

• Select deep orange, firm sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots for the most flavorful and caramelized result.
• Cut sweet potato slices to equal thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Watch carefully during the last 10 minutes of uncovered baking to avoid scorching the sugar glaze, which can turn bitter and ruin the sweet flavor.
• Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personal preference, or experiment with adding ground ginger or allspice for a unique twist.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out when serving.

Warm Up Candied Yams Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Warm sweet potatoes in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain their gooey caramel glaze.
• Quickly reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve their creamy texture.
• Freeze candied sweet potatoes for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Southern Candied Yams Sides

• Pair Smoky Bourbon with Sweet Potatoes: A robust bourbon with caramel notes perfectly complements the rich, sweet glaze, enhancing the dish's deep Southern flavors.
• Serve with Crispy Pecan-Crusted Chicken: The nutty, crunchy protein creates an ideal textural contrast against the soft, sugary sweet potatoes, balancing the meal's overall taste profile.
• Match with Tangy Buttermilk Coleslaw: The creamy, acidic side dish cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the candied potatoes and creating a harmonious meal experience.
• Accompany with Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, slightly tart beverage echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg in the recipe, adding depth and warmth to the dining experience.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes with Cozy Add-Ins

• Vegan Sweet Potato Bliss: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of refined sugars for a plant-based, lower-glycemic version.
• Spiced Nutty Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before final baking for added crunch and nutty depth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch as a potential thickening alternative if needed.
• Low-Sugar Health Swap: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining caramelized flavor profile.

The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern sweet potato magic comes alive in this classic Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe, delivering pure comfort straight from Southern kitchens. Buttery brown sugar caramelization and warm spices create an irresistible side dish that brings family gatherings and holiday traditions to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds

Sugars:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into uniform, approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
2. Select a spacious baking dish that allows sweet potato slices to be arranged in a single, slightly overlapping layer for optimal glazing and heat distribution.
3. Create a luxurious syrup by whisking brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, water, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous liquid.
4. Gently cascade the prepared sugar syrup over the sweet potato slices, meticulously ensuring each piece receives an even, glistening coating.
5. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that allows the sweet potatoes to steam and absorb the rich, spiced glaze.
6. Slide the covered dish into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the potatoes to simmer and tenderize for approximately 45-50 minutes, periodically redistributing the syrup by carefully stirring.
7. Uncover the dish, revealing the softened sweet potatoes, and return to the oven to encourage deeper caramelization and intensify the glaze’s richness.
8. For an optional flavor enhancement, drizzle vanilla extract over the candied sweet potatoes, gently folding to distribute the aromatic essence.
9. Serve the sweet potatoes immediately while warm, showcasing their glossy, caramelized exterior and tender, syrup-infused interior.

Notes

• Choose firm, vibrant sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor profile.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on potato sweetness; taste before baking to balance flavors perfectly.
• For a healthier version, replace some butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg