Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: 6 Reasons to Savor Them

Name: Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: 6 Reasons to Savor Them
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cups of sweet potatoes; 1 cup (200 g) of brown sugar; 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water; 1/4 cup (60 g) of unsalted butter; 1 tsp of ground cinnamon (or 1/2 tsp of nutmeg for a different spice profile); 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract; Pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness

by Jannet Lisa

14 de January de 2026

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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes have long been a beloved dish in Southern cuisine, celebrated for their rich, buttery goodness. These delightful sweet potatoes are tenderly sliced and bathed in an irresistible syrup made of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. The combination creates a sweet and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with holiday meals or family gatherings. Let’s dive into how to create this classic dish that is sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

This recipe for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is not just about flavor; it’s about comfort and nostalgia. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:

Simple to prepare—ideal for beginner cooks.
Features wholesome ingredients that evoke home-cooked warmth.
Perfectly balances sweetness and spice, thanks to the cinnamon and brown sugar glaze.
Can be served as a side dish or dessert, making it versatile.
Easy to customize with different spices or add-ins.
Brings a touch of Southern tradition to your table, perfect for gatherings.

With such delightful sweet potatoes with brown sugar glaze, you’ll never look at sweet potatoes the same way again!

Ingredients for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Gather these items:

4 cups of sweet potatoes
1 cup (200 g) of brown sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) of water
1/4 cup (60 g) of unsalted butter
1 tsp of ground cinnamon (or 1/2 tsp of nutmeg for a different spice profile)
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness

How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Step-by-Step

Step 1: Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds.
Step 2: Place sliced sweet potatoes in a bowl of water to prevent browning.
Step 3: Combine brown sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 4: Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
Step 5: Add unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt; stir until melted.
Step 6: Drain sweet potatoes and layer them in a greased baking dish.
Step 7: Pour warm syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they’re coated.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the baking dish with foil.
Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and stir gently.
Step 10: Return to the oven for an additional 20-30 minutes, until fork-tender and bubbly.
Step 11: Let sit for a few minutes to cool and thicken the syrup.
Step 12: Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cinnamon before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Keep these in mind:

Make sure to slice the sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preferences.
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the syrup.
This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, which is perfect for busy holidays.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

There are many delicious ways to serve these Southern glazed sweet potatoes. Here are a few ideas:

Pair with roasted meats like ham or turkey for a festive meal.
Serve alongside traditional Southern dishes like collard greens or cornbread.
Use as a topping for pancake or waffle breakfasts for a sweet twist.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring the sweet potatoes still retain their syrupy goodness. Meal prepping with this recipe is a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

What’s the secret to perfect Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?

The secret lies in the balance of the sweet and savory flavors. Using high-quality brown sugar and butter enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, elevating this dish to another level.

Can I make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and syrup ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine before baking for a quick and easy side dish.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?

To avoid mushy sweet potatoes, be careful not to overbake them. Test for doneness with a fork, and ensure the slices are evenly cut for consistent cooking.

Variations of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to consider:

Add pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Incorporate marshmallows for a classic twist.
Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with spices like ginger or clove for added warmth.

With these variations, you can keep this classic recipe fresh and exciting!

For more delicious recipes, check out Sausage and Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic Sauce or Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: 6 Reasons to Savor Them - Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes - additional detail

For more tips on cooking sweet potatoes, visit Last Recipes and explore Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe for a delightful dessert pairing.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: 6 Reasons to Savor Them

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, where tender slices are bathed in a luscious syrup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.