The Coziest Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe Ever

Southern candied sweet potatoes bring pure comfort and nostalgia to every dinner table.

These golden-brown delights dance with a rich caramelized glaze that melts in your mouth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic side dish passed down through family kitchens.

Sweet and buttery, these potatoes offer a decadent twist on a traditional Southern staple.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that complements any main course.

Tender sweet potatoes transform into a luxurious treat that celebrates Southern culinary heritage.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes You’ll Love

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels, ensuring anyone can create a delicious side dish.
• Quick Comfort Meal: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, these candied sweet potatoes deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques or long preparation times.
• Crowd-Pleasing Tradition: This Southern classic brings warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings, holiday meals, and potlucks, satisfying everyone's sweet and savory cravings.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasted meats, holiday turkey, or as a standalone treat that transforms ordinary meals into something special and memorable.

Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes: A classic Southern vegetable that provides a rich, sweet base for this traditional side dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel coating for the sweet potatoes.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a deep, sticky caramel sauce that transforms the sweet potatoes into a decadent candied treat.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugars and create a smooth syrup for coating the sweet potatoes.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes with warm, aromatic spices and balance the overall flavor profile.

How to Prepare Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame, creating the perfect environment for transforming sweet potatoes into a delectable Southern delicacy.

Step 2: Create a Luscious Syrup

• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Water
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Stir the ingredients until they blend into a smooth, glistening syrup.

Step 3: Introduce Sweet Potatoes

Carefully layer sliced sweet potatoes into the syrup, gently turning and coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sweet potatoes slowly dance in the caramelizing syrup.

Stir occasionally, allowing them to become tender and develop a rich, golden-brown glaze.

Step 5: Reveal the Delicious Masterpiece

After 30-40 minutes, when the sweet potatoes are meltingly soft and beautifully caramelized, remove from heat.

Serve immediately while warm, presenting a luxurious Southern side dish that will delight every palate.

Pro Tips for Sweet Potato Goodness

• Select firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots for the best caramelization and sweetness.
• Adjust water quantity to create a thicker or thinner syrup based on your preference for coating the potatoes.
• Stir occasionally and keep heat low to ensure even caramelization without scorching the sugars or potatoes.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to the syrup for a more complex and aromatic sweet potato dish.
• Prepare the candied sweet potatoes in advance and reheat gently before serving to maintain their soft texture and rich flavor.

Sweet Potato Variations for Holidays

• Vegan Sweet Potato Bliss: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of white sugar for a plant-based, refined sugar-free version.
• Gluten-Free Spice Sensation: Keep the original recipe ingredients, ensuring all spices are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduced Sugar Comfort: Swap traditional sugars with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Herbal Infusion Option: Add fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking to introduce an unexpected savory note that complements the sweet potatoes' natural flavor.

Serving Up Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Holiday Feast Companion: Pair these candied sweet potatoes alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a traditional Southern holiday meal that will wow your guests.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a decadent breakfast by topping these sweet potatoes with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for a morning treat.
• Dessert Upgrade: Crumble some toasted pecans or marshmallows on top to add extra texture and elevate the sweet potato's caramelized flavor, creating a more indulgent side dish.
• Potluck Perfection: Serve in a beautiful ceramic dish to make this recipe a standout contribution at community gatherings or family reunions, guaranteed to get compliments.

Storing Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the sweet potatoes moist and preserving their delicious caramelized flavor.
• Transfer cooled sweet potatoes to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their rich taste and texture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Spread sweet potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they stay tender and glossy.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

• Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use orange, white, or purple sweet potatoes. Each variety will provide a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

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

Look for a golden-brown color and a glossy, sticky coating. The potatoes should be tender but not mushy when pierced with a fork.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This Southern candied sweet potatoes recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives.

The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes elevate comfort cuisine with rich caramelized flavors and buttery warmth. Creamy potato slices glazed in brown sugar and cinnamon create a delightful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings and family meals you’ll savor with pure southern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

Sugars:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized skillet over medium heat to prepare for caramelizing the sweet potatoes.
2. Gently melt butter, then incorporate sugars, water, aromatic spices, and salt into a glossy, fragrant syrup.
3. Carefully introduce sliced sweet potatoes into the syrup, ensuring each piece receives an even, luxurious coating.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the sweet potatoes to simmer for 35-45 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
5. Monitor the potatoes until they transform into tender, golden-brown morsels with a rich, sticky glaze.
6. Once the sweet potatoes reach a perfect soft-yet-slightly-firm texture and develop a deep caramel color, remove from heat.
7. Let the candied sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes to allow the syrup to slightly thicken and intensify in flavor.
8. Transfer to a serving dish, showcasing the glistening, spice-infused potatoes as an irresistible Southern-style accompaniment.

Notes

• Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best caramelization and texture.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform slices to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor development and more even heat distribution.
• Avoid stirring too frequently to allow natural caramelization and prevent breaking delicate potato slices.
• For a healthier version, substitute part of the butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Enhance the dish’s nutrition by sprinkling chopped pecans or toasted walnuts on top before serving.
• Create a vegan alternative by replacing butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain their caramelized coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 43 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 84 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg