Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
There’s just something magical about a warm, home-cooked dish that brings the family together, and for us, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes do exactly that. With a hint of cinnamon and a buttery caramelized glaze, this recipe has become a staple in our household, especially as fall rolls around. I can’t tell you how many times the smell alone has brought everyone into the kitchen, asking when dinner will be ready.
I started making this recipe because I wanted a side dish that was simple but packed with flavor, perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday meals. The sweet potatoes become perfectly tender, coated in a rich, syrupy glaze that just melts in your mouth. My kids love it so much they ask for “the sweet stuff” whenever I cook, and my partner insists it’s a must-have for every gathering.
The best part? This dish is so easy to make! It only takes a few ingredients and is practically foolproof, meaning it’s great for those busy days when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a new family favorite, give these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes a try. I’m sure they’ll become a hit at your table, just like they have at ours.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Prepare it the night before and reheat at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
A: For this recipe, sweet potatoes work best. They have a naturally sweet flavor and soft texture that caramelizes beautifully.
Q: What goes well with candied sweet potatoes?
A: These sweet potatoes are the perfect side for savory dishes like turkey, ham, or roast chicken. They bring a nice balance to hearty, flavorful meals.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
A: Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer, or even try using a little maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
What You Need to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup (optional but adds depth)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Special Equipment:
A baking dish or large skillet
Aluminum foil for covering during baking
How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer in the baking dish.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
Coat the Potatoes: Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure each piece is well coated.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve with extra syrup drizzled on top.
Tips for Making the Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Choose Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, firm sweet potatoes have the best texture and flavor for this recipe.
Add Maple Syrup for Depth: A little maple syrup adds a deeper, richer sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery glaze.
Baste for Extra Caramelization: Basting the sweet potatoes with the glaze as they cook helps them become golden and sticky.
Adjust the Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar or replace it with a dash of maple syrup.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My family loved this! The glaze was perfect, and even my picky eaters asked for seconds.” — Rachel M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was amazing for Thanksgiving! The cinnamon and nutmeg made it taste so cozy and festive.” — David K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A little on the sweet side for me, but still delicious. Next time I might add a pinch of salt.” — Jenna F.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for a holiday potluck, and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe.” — Laura S.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe! I used a little less sugar, and it turned out wonderfully caramelized and buttery.” — Michael T.
Printable Recipe
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a cozy, caramelized side dish perfect for holiday gatherings and comforting family dinners. Each bite is sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Special Equipment:
- A baking dish or large skillet
- Aluminum foil for covering during baking
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Coat the Potatoes: Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve with extra syrup drizzled on top.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes have become a treasured part of our family meals, and I’d love for you to share the joy with your loved ones too. Tag me in your posts or share on social media so we can all celebrate this delicious, comforting dish together. There’s nothing better than spreading a little sweetness around!
