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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Peel and slice sweet potatoes into uniform, approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently cascade the prepared sugar syrup over the sweet potato slices, meticulously ensuring each piece receives an even, glistening coating.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that allows the sweet potatoes to steam and absorb the rich, spiced glaze.
- 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.
- Uncover the dish, revealing the softened sweet potatoes, and return to the oven to encourage deeper caramelization and intensify the glaze’s richness.
- For an optional flavor enhancement, drizzle vanilla extract over the candied sweet potatoes, gently folding to distribute the aromatic essence.
- 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