Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to soul-soothing comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. The combination of sweet, tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, syrupy glaze with a touch of spice makes this dish a favorite at family dinners, holiday feasts, and potlucks across the Southern United States. There’s something magical about the way the natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

While often enjoyed during special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, candied sweet potatoes are delicious enough to be served any day of the week. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and loved by everyone at the table, whether they’re young or old. If you’re looking for a recipe that brings together the flavors of tradition and comfort, look no further than this recipe for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes.

Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish

The ingredients in this dish are simple, yet they come together to create a mouthwatering medley of flavors. Let’s break down everything you’ll need to create this family favorite:

For the Sweet Potatoes:

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds. Sweet potatoes are the star of the dish, and their natural sweetness is the foundation of the recipe. Choose firm, large sweet potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.

For the Candied Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter – Butter adds richness and helps to create the creamy texture of the glaze.

1 cup granulated sugar – The base sweetener, adding that perfect sugary sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.

½ cup brown sugar, packed – Brown sugar gives the glaze its deeper, more caramel-like flavor, and a slight molasses richness.

¼ cup water – This helps dissolve the sugars and create a liquid base for the glaze.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The signature spice that brings warmth and depth to the dish.

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds complexity.

Pinch of salt – A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.

For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended):

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped – A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor to balance out the richness.

Freshly ground black pepper – A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds an unexpected and delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Essential Equipment: Tools You’ll Need

While this dish requires very basic kitchen tools, using the right equipment can make your cooking experience much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Large skillet or sauté pan – A large skillet with a wide surface area is ideal for cooking and caramelizing the sweet potatoes evenly.

Sharp knife – A sharp chef’s knife will help you peel and slice the sweet potatoes quickly and efficiently.

Cutting board – You’ll need a sturdy cutting board to work with the potatoes and other ingredients.

Wooden spoon or spatula – A wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula is perfect for stirring the potatoes and glaze without damaging your pan.

Measuring spoons and cups – These will help you get the exact amount of sugar, spices, and other ingredients needed for the perfect candied glaze.

Serving dish – A large serving dish or platter will allow you to display the candied sweet potatoes beautifully once they’re cooked.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients and equipment, let’s dive into the process of making these irresistible Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. Depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, you might want to cut them in half before peeling to make the process easier. Once peeled, slice them into ½-inch rounds. This size is ideal because it ensures the potatoes cook evenly while retaining their shape.

If you prefer, you can also cut the sweet potatoes into wedges or cubes, but rounds are traditional in most Southern recipes.

2. Make the Candied Glaze

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and starts to bubble slightly, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water to the pan. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugars into the water. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

As the sugar dissolves, the glaze will begin to thicken. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the glaze has slightly thickened, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed and the spices are fully incorporated into the glaze. The rich aroma from the cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen!

3. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Now it’s time to add the sliced sweet potatoes into the pan with the glaze. Be sure to coat each slice of sweet potato with the glaze as you stir gently. Once all the sweet potatoes are in the pan, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Allow the sweet potatoes to simmer in the glaze for about 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally, being careful not to break the sweet potatoes apart. You’ll notice that the sweet potatoes will begin to soften, and the glaze will thicken, creating a caramelized, glossy coating on the potatoes.

4. Caramelize the Glaze

After 30 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to allow the glaze to reduce further. Stir occasionally, but allow the liquid to thicken and become more syrupy. This will help create that gorgeous candied finish on the sweet potatoes.

Simmer the sweet potatoes uncovered for about 10-15 more minutes, or until the glaze has reached your desired thickness. You want it to be thick enough to coat the sweet potatoes but not so thick that it becomes hard.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze has thickened beautifully, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the candied sweet potatoes into a serving dish or bowl. For a final touch, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and a bit of herbal freshness. You can also sprinkle a little more freshly ground black pepper on top to balance the sweetness with some savory notes.

Tips for the Best Candied Sweet Potatoes

Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes: While the goal is to make the sweet potatoes tender, they shouldn’t fall apart completely. Keep an eye on them during the cooking process.

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar. Alternatively, if you like your candied sweet potatoes extra sweet, you can add more sugar or a touch of honey.

For extra flavor: Try adding a splash of orange juice or bourbon to the glaze for an added layer of depth and complexity.

Use fresh sweet potatoes: For the best texture and flavor, always use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned. They’ll hold up better during the cooking process and give the dish a richer, fresher taste.

Make it ahead of time: You can prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time. Once cooked, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations You Can Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways to customize it to suit your taste:

Spicy Candied Sweet Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder to the glaze for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Vegan Candied Sweet Potatoes: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a plant-based twist.

With Marshmallows: Top the candied sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows in the final minutes of baking, allowing them to melt and brown for that classic sweet potato casserole-style finish.

Nutty Candied Sweet Potatoes: Add chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Candied Sweet Potatoes

If you have leftovers, no worries — candied sweet potatoes store beautifully in the fridge:

Refrigerate: Store the cooled candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The glaze may thicken in the fridge, so you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Freeze: Candied sweet potatoes freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheat: Reheat the sweet potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to loosen the glaze.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

(For 6 servings)

• Calories: 230
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 2g

Conclusion: Sweet Comfort in Every Bite

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and spiced flavors, making them the ideal side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or just need a quick, comforting treat, they never disappoint. With tender sweet potatoes and a luscious glaze, this dish brings the warmth of the South straight to your table.

So go ahead, grab those sweet potatoes, and start cooking — your taste buds will thank you, and your family will be asking for seconds!

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