Nothing says comfort food quite like a plate of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. This traditional dish, often served during holiday gatherings, combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender, caramelized slices make for a soul-warming side dish that pairs beautifully with baked ham, roasted turkey, or fried chicken.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe to achieve the best candied sweet potatoes right in your own kitchen. Get ready to savor a taste of the South with this easy-to-follow Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Southern Flavor – This recipe stays true to classic Southern cooking, balancing the sweetness with just the right touch of warm spices.
- Easy to Make – No fancy techniques needed! Just slice, mix, and bake for a delicious side dish.
- Perfect for Holidays – A staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner tables.
- Rich and Buttery – The combination of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates an irresistible candied glaze.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for an unforgettable dish:
Main Ingredients:
✔️ 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
✔️ 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
✔️ ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
✔️ ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey for extra richness)
✔️ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
✔️ ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
✔️ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✔️ ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a hint of warmth)
Optional Add-Ins:
✔️ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds a subtle heat to balance the sweetness.
✔️ ½ cup chopped pecans – Gives the dish a crunchy texture.
✔️ Mini marshmallows – Melted on top for an extra sweet, gooey treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Candied Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and ginger. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
- Pour the warm, buttery glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure each slice gets coated.
- Use a spoon to toss the potatoes gently, ensuring they’re well covered.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir the potatoes, and bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender and the sauce has thickened into a glossy candied coating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with pecans or marshmallows if desired, and enjoy this Southern classic!
Tips for the Best Candied Sweet Potatoes
✔️ Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes – Avoid canned sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
✔️ Slice Evenly – Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform slices ensures they cook evenly.
✔️ Low and Slow is Key – Baking at a moderate temperature allows the flavors to caramelize beautifully.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Butter – It gives the glaze its rich, velvety texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
✔️ Thanksgiving Feast – Serve alongside roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, and green beans.
✔️ Sunday Dinner – A perfect side for fried chicken, pork chops, or BBQ ribs.
✔️ Breakfast Twist – Enjoy leftovers with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake when ready.
2. Can I use white sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! White sweet potatoes have a milder flavor, but they work just as well in this recipe.
3. How do I thicken the glaze?
If the glaze is too thin after baking, place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes to help caramelize the sauce.
4. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a timeless dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and unbeatable flavor to your table. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving dinner or just craving a comforting side, this recipe delivers every time.
Try it out today and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
