The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Sweet Joy

Sweet potato lovers, get ready for a mouthwatering southern candied sweet potatoes recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Creamy, caramelized edges hint at the delectable magic waiting inside this classic comfort dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful side that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between natural potato sweetness and rich, buttery glaze.

Butter and brown sugar create an irresistible coating that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into something extraordinary.

Pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch that elevates this southern staple from good to unforgettable.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-warming recipe that connects you to traditional southern cooking.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Highlights

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This tuna mornay delivers ultimate comfort food with its creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, perfect for satisfying hunger and warming hearts.
• Super Simple Cooking: Novice cooks can master this recipe with basic kitchen skills, minimal ingredients, and straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Transform affordable pantry staples like canned tuna, pasta, and frozen vegetables into a delectable meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this hearty dish in less than an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a nutritious and filling dinner that requires minimal preparation.

Ingredients Needed for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes: A classic Southern vegetable that provides a creamy, sweet foundation for this traditional dessert.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: These sugars create a rich, caramelized syrup that coats the sweet potatoes with deep, indulgent sweetness.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the sweet potato's natural flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds a subtle aromatic note.

• Butter: Provides a smooth, rich base for the sugar mixture and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the deeper flavors of the dish.

How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting ready for some sweet potato magic.

Step 2: Create a Sweet Potato Base

Arrange your sliced sweet potatoes in a welcoming baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for the magic to come.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Syrup

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk and stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 4: Drench the Sweet Potatoes

Pour the luscious syrup evenly over the sweet potato slices, ensuring every piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with foil and let the oven work its wonder for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 6: Final Baking and Caramelization

Remove the foil, give the sweet potatoes a gentle stir, and return to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become tender and the syrup transforms into a rich, thick glaze.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the candied sweet potatoes to cool slightly, letting the flavors settle before presenting this Southern delicacy to your eager guests.

Tips for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Slice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for the most vibrant and robust flavor profile in the sugar mixture.
• Prevent burning by stirring gently midway through baking and watching the caramelization process closely.
• Opt for organic brown sugar to enhance the deeper, richer caramel notes in the candied sweet potatoes.
• Consider garnishing with chopped pecans or marshmallows for added crunch and indulgent sweetness right before serving.

Flavor Variations for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Maple Pecan Glaze: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before final baking for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Bourbon-Infused Edition: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sugar mixture for a sophisticated, warming adult version with deep caramel undertones.
• Spiced Citrus Blend: Incorporate orange zest and a pinch of cardamom to the sugar mixture, creating a bright, aromatic alternative with complex flavor notes.
• Marshmallow Crown: Top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking for a classic Southern-style sweet finish.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Festive Holiday Side Dish: Showcase these candied sweet potatoes as a star attraction at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, nestled beautifully alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham.
• Dessert-Style Treat: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the sweet syrupy potatoes create a delightful contrast against the cold, creamy ice cream.
• Brunch Accompaniment: Transform the sweet potatoes into a morning delight by pairing them with crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs, offering a sweet and savory breakfast experience.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Pack these candied sweet potatoes in a portable dish for gatherings, knowing they'll be a crowd-pleasing comfort food that disappears quickly from the buffet table.

Storage Tips for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Transfer cooled sweet potatoes to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal completely, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed sweet potatoes in the oven at 350F for 1520 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra butter to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Make the dish one day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and reheat before serving to enhance flavors and maintain texture.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They’re low in calories and offer numerous health benefits, including supporting eye health and boosting immunity.

• Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While orange sweet potatoes are most common, you can use white, purple, or Japanese sweet potatoes. Each variety brings a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

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

The sweet potatoes are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and have a golden-brown caramelized surface. The syrup should also look thick and glossy.

The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Grandma’s Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes create a nostalgic side dish beloved across generations. Butter, brown sugar, and warm spices elevate classic sweet potatoes into a comforting southern classic you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 4–5 sweet potatoes (medium, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for caramelizing sweet potatoes.
2. Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer within a baking dish, ensuring even coverage and consistent cooking.
3. Create a luxurious sugar syrup by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporating brown sugar, granulated sugar, warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid.
4. Gently cascade the spiced sugar syrup across the sweet potato layers, guaranteeing complete and uniform coating.
5. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, allowing the potatoes to steam and absorb the rich flavors during the initial 30-minute baking period.
6. Carefully remove the foil, delicately stir the potatoes to redistribute the caramelizing syrup, then return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
7. Allow the candied sweet potatoes to rest briefly, permitting the syrup to slightly cool and set, enhancing the overall texture and intensifying the caramelized flavors before serving.

Notes

• Slice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust sugar levels for dietary needs by using coconut sugar or sugar-free alternatives like stevia for a lower-glycemic version.
• Create a gluten-free option by confirming all ingredients, especially vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free.
• Enhance flavor depth by using freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground versions for more vibrant and robust taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 287 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 30 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: 20 mg