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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for caramelizing sweet potatoes.
- Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer within a baking dish, ensuring even coverage and consistent cooking.
- 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.
- Gently cascade the spiced sugar syrup across the sweet potato layers, guaranteeing complete and uniform coating.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, allowing the potatoes to steam and absorb the rich flavors during the initial 30-minute baking period.
- 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.
- 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