Irresistibly Sweet Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Sweet potato casseroles have nothing on these delectable southern candied sweet potatoes that melt in your mouth.

Comfort doesn’t get more delicious than this classic southern side dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Buttery, caramelized edges hint at the magical transformation waiting to happen in your oven.

Warm spices and brown sugar create a luxurious coating that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a decadent treat.

Each forkful promises a symphony of rich, sweet flavors that dance between rustic charm and culinary elegance.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible southern classic.

Sweet Potato Styles With Southern Flavor

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Spiced Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and add a sprinkle of ground ginger for extra warmth.
• Reduced Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a lower-calorie dish while maintaining rich flavor.
• Rum-Infused Variation: Add a splash of dark rum during the syrup stage for a decadent adult-friendly rendition of the classic recipe.

Delicious Matches for Candied Potato Recipe

• Cozy Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange the candied sweet potatoes in a beautiful ceramic dish, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant thanksgiving or Christmas dinner presentation.
• Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to create a decadent sweet potato dessert that balances the rich, caramelized flavors.
• Southern Comfort Plating: Pair with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or crispy fried chicken to complete a traditional Southern-style meal that celebrates comfort and warmth.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted walnuts over the sweet potatoes just before serving to add a delightful textural contrast and enhance the nutty undertones.

Best Storage Tips for Candied Potatoes

• Transfer cooled sweet potatoes to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack the candied sweet potatoes in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing taste or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place sweet potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle a splash of water to prevent drying out and restore original moisture.

FAQs

• What are candied sweet potatoes?

Sweet, buttery potato slices cooked in a caramelized sugar syrup with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a classic Southern dessert side dish.

• Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, yams can be substituted, but true sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and traditional texture for this Southern recipe.

• How do I choose the best sweet potatoes?

Select firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots. Orange or deep copper-colored varieties work best for this recipe.

• Is this dish healthy?

While delicious, candied sweet potatoes are a treat high in sugar. They offer some nutritional benefits from sweet potatoes like vitamin A and fiber, but should be enjoyed in moderation.

Why Southern Candied Potatoes Are So Addictive

• Comfort-Packed Delight: Dive into a soul-warming Southern classic that wraps you in cozy, sweet goodness with every single bite.
• Super Simple Preparation: Whip up this mouthwatering dish using basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Family Gathering Champion: Create a showstopping side dish that brings everyone together, sparking conversations and creating cherished memories around the dinner table.
• Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Elevate your festive spread with this irresistible sweet potato recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, guaranteed to impress guests at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.

Everything You Need for Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the base and primary flavor for this classic Southern side dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel-like sauce for the sweet potatoes.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Combine to create a deep, caramelized sweetness that coats the sweet potato slices.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Warm spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, aromatic finish to the candied sweet potatoes.

• Water: Helps dissolve the sugars and creates a syrupy consistency for coating the sweet potato slices.

Step-by-Step for Southern Candied Potatoes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some sweet potato magic.

Step 2: Butter Magic

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and melt butter over medium heat until it’s smooth and golden.

Step 3: Create Syrup Sensation

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

Stir everything until a luscious, glossy syrup forms that looks like liquid gold.

Step 4: Sweet Potato Swim

Slide sweet potato slices into the syrup, making sure each slice gets completely coated in the sweet, sticky goodness.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Cover the skillet and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 45 minutes, giving it an occasional gentle stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Caramelize and Thicken

Remove the cover and continue baking for another 15 minutes.

This helps the syrup transform into a thick, glossy coating that clings to every sweet potato slice.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Drizzle vanilla extract over the sweet potatoes and give them a delicate stir.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips for the Best Candied Potatoes Ever

• Cut sweet potatoes into even, 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure consistent cooking and caramelization.
• Stir sugar mixture constantly to prevent burning and create a smooth, glossy caramel-like coating.
• Choose an oven-safe cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and deeper flavor development.
• Add a splash of water to sugar mixture to help create a smooth syrup without grainy texture.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or marshmallows during the last 15 minutes of baking for extra crunch and sweetness.

The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Southern candied sweet potatoes celebrate traditional Southern comfort with caramelized slices of buttery goodness. Rich brown sugar and warm spices create a delightful side dish you’ll savor at family gatherings and holiday meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Sugars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

Butter and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons/113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for caramelizing sweet potatoes.
2. Select a large oven-safe skillet and melt butter over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant.
3. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water into the melted butter, whisking until a glossy, rich syrup develops.
4. Carefully arrange sweet potato slices in the syrup, gently turning each slice to ensure complete and even coating.
5. Place the skillet in the preheated oven, covering it to allow potatoes to steam and absorb the sweet syrup for 40 minutes.
6. Uncover the skillet and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the syrup to caramelize and thicken around the potato slices.
7. Remove from the oven and delicately drizzle vanilla extract across the surface, softly folding to distribute the aromatic essence.
8. Let the candied sweet potatoes rest for 5 minutes to allow the syrup to set, then serve warm as a decadent side dish.

Notes

• Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index and more complex flavor profile.
• Use ghee instead of butter to make the recipe dairy-free and add a rich, nutty undertone.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before the final baking for extra crunch and protein boost.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform slices to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 343
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 146 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg