The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There's something magical about the aroma of candied sweet potatoes baking in the oven, filling your home with the warm, caramel-like scent of brown sugar and spices. This classic Southern side dish is the perfect combination of tender sweet potatoes and a buttery, sweet glaze that tastes just like a comforting hug.

this Recipe

I remember my grandmother making this recipe every Thanksgiving, and it was always the first dish to disappear from the table. Today, it’s a staple in my own home whenever we crave a taste of Southern comfort, whether it’s a holiday or just a regular weeknight dinner. Let's dive into what makes this recipe so special!

Why You'll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite side dish. This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family tradition.

First, let's talk about flavor. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a rich, buttery glaze that seeps into every bite. The natural sweetness of the potatoes intensifies as they bake, making each mouthful melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Another reason to love this dish is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of patience as the magic happens in the oven. In just a few steps, you’ll have a show-stopping side that pairs beautifully with almost any main course.

It's also a total crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters who claim they "don't like sweet potatoes" are often won over by this recipe. The buttery, caramelized coating makes it irresistibly good, appealing to kids and adults alike.

Finally, this recipe has the power to transform a meal into something memorable. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday turkey or a simple roasted chicken, these candied sweet potatoes add a touch of Southern charm that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes lies in their straightforward, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each element comes together to create a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.

The sweet potatoes are, of course, the star of the show. Choose large, firm, and unblemished potatoes for the best results. Their natural sweetness and tender texture make them perfect for absorbing the buttery syrup as they bake. You can use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which caramelize beautifully and hold their shape well.

Next up is the brown sugar. It forms the base of our glaze, providing a deep molasses flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on how robust you want the caramel notes to be.

Butter adds a rich, luxurious quality to the dish. Be sure to use real, unsalted butter to give the glaze a silky texture and to control the saltiness of the dish. The melted butter blends seamlessly with the sugar, forming a smooth, sticky coating that envelops each slice of sweet potato.

For that classic Southern touch, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are essential. They bring a hint of warmth and complexity, turning the dish into something truly special. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste, but don’t skip them entirely—they add depth and aroma.

Finally, vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding a subtle, aromatic sweetness. Just a splash makes a big difference, elevating the dish from good to unforgettable. If you have it on hand, a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.

You'll need a large baking dish for this recipe, preferably one that’s oven-safe and deep enough to hold the sweet potatoes and the syrup without overflowing. A sharp knife for slicing the potatoes and a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients will also come in handy.

How To Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Creating these delicious Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is easier than you might think. Let me guide you through the process, step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and get perfectly coated in the syrup. Arrange the slices in a single layer in your baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This takes just a few minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the sugar no longer feels grainy. At this point, stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Pour the buttery syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure each slice is well coated. The syrup will sink into the potatoes as they bake, creating that signature caramelized exterior. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. This initial baking period allows the potatoes to soften and soak up the flavors.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and give the potatoes a gentle stir. This step helps ensure even caramelization and keeps the syrup from pooling at the bottom of the dish. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the potatoes to be fork-tender and the glaze to be thick and glossy.

Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools, making it even more luscious. Total prep and cooking time is about 1 hour, but trust me—it’s worth the wait!

Storage Options

Leftover Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a gift that keeps on giving. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making them even more delicious when reheated.

To reheat, place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven method helps maintain the caramelized texture.

If you want to freeze your leftovers, transfer the cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients! For a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace some of it with honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners add their own unique flavor profiles to the dish.

Want to add some texture? Sprinkle chopped pecans over the potatoes during the last 15 minutes of baking. The nuts toast beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender potatoes.

If you're looking to lighten things up a bit, try swapping out half the butter for coconut oil. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the spices and sweetness. Just keep in mind that the glaze may not be quite as rich.

For an extra layer of flavor, experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves. A little goes a long way, but these warm spices can elevate the dish in unexpected ways. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go.

Whether you follow the recipe exactly or put your own spin on it, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are meant to be shared and savored, so have fun and make them your own!

Print