The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of Southern candied sweet potatoes, bubbling away with sweet, caramelized goodness. This classic dish brings a taste of the South to your dinner table, featuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes bathed in a buttery brown sugar glaze, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this recipe at a family holiday gathering. My grandmother would pull these candied yams out of the oven, and we all knew we were in for a treat. Now, I’m sharing that treasured tradition with you, so you can bring a touch of Southern charm to your table, too.

Why You'll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Southern favorite. These candied sweet potatoes will wow your taste buds and make a delightful addition to any meal.

First, these sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, you'll have a crowd-pleasing side dish that tastes like you spent all day perfecting it.

The flavor is out of this world. Imagine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with a rich, buttery brown sugar syrup, accented with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

They are the ultimate comfort food, whether you serve them as part of a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. Plus, they’re a fantastic make-ahead dish, ideal for those who like to plan meals ahead.

Finally, the texture is heavenly. The sweet potatoes become luxuriously soft, while the sticky syrup creates a caramel-like coating that’s just to die for. It's a dish that gets better with every bite.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Southern candied sweet potatoes lies in their simple yet perfect combination of ingredients. Each component adds a crucial element to this timeless dish.

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Opt for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh. They have a naturally rich flavor and the perfect texture for candied preparations. Look for yams or jewel and garnet varieties, which hold up well during cooking.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the glaze. Unsalted butter is best so you can control the seasoning. As it melts, it creates a smooth, velvety base for the syrup.

Brown Sugar: The heart of the glaze. Brown sugar gives the dish its signature caramel-like sweetness. Both light and dark brown sugar work well, but dark brown sugar will bring out deeper molasses notes.

Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic warm spices used here. They elevate the sweet potatoes, adding a cozy, comforting aroma and flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if you want an extra kick.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla ties everything together, adding an extra layer of depth and sweetness to the syrup.

Salt: A pinch of salt may seem surprising, but it enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and balances the sweetness of the dish.

You’ll also need a baking dish and some foil to cover it, ensuring the sweet potatoes cook evenly and soak up all that delicious syrup.

How To Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Creating this mouthwatering side dish is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step for foolproof results.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for slowly caramelizing the sweet potatoes without burning the syrup.

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds. Uniform slices ensure they cook evenly. Arrange them in a single layer in a large baking dish to maximize surface area for caramelization.

Make the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat every piece. Use a spatula or your hands to gently toss the slices, ensuring even coverage. Cover the dish with foil to trap in moisture, which helps the sweet potatoes become tender.

Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup from the bottom of the dish. This step is crucial for flavor and texture! Continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup is thick and bubbly.

Total prep and cooking time is about 1 hour. As the sweet potatoes bake, your kitchen will be filled with the most delightful, warm, and spicy aroma.

Storage Options

Leftover Southern candied sweet potatoes store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying later.

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better with time, so reheating them is a treat!

Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To warm up, place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven preserves their caramelized texture best.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some fun variations to try:

Sweeteners: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different take on the glaze. Maple syrup lends a delightful woodsy sweetness, while honey adds a floral note.

Nuts: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking. They toast beautifully in the oven and add a nutty richness.

Spice Mix: Play around with the spices! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a bit of ground ginger for a zingy warmth.

Vegan Version: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Coconut oil pairs beautifully with the flavors of brown sugar and spices, adding a subtle tropical undertone.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you customize it, these Southern candied sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy bringing a taste of the South to your table!

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