The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, buttery aroma of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes filling your kitchen. With tender sweet potatoes bathed in a spiced, caramel-like syrup, this classic dish perfectly balances warmth and sweetness. It’s a staple for holiday dinners, but so good that you'll want to make it year-round.

I first fell in love with these irresistible sweet potatoes at my grandmother’s Thanksgiving table, where they were always the first thing to disappear. Now, I make them for my own family, and the sight of that bubbling syrup brings back all those precious memories of warmth and love.

Why You'll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection. This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes dish is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition.

First, it’s unbelievably simple to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and a short prep time, this recipe lets the oven do all the hard work, freeing you up to focus on other holiday dishes or just relax with your loved ones.

The flavors are a knockout. Slow-cooked in a spiced, buttery caramel sauce, the sweet potatoes become meltingly tender while absorbing the deep, complex notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. It's a flavor profile that dances on the tongue with every bite.

Your house will smell heavenly. As the sweet potatoes bake, the aroma of spices and caramelized sugar will fill your home, wrapping you in a warm, cozy hug. It’s the perfect backdrop for a holiday meal or any special gathering.

Lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside roasted meats for a stunning holiday spread, or pair it with simple weeknight dinners for a touch of comfort and indulgence. No matter the occasion, these sweet potatoes always steal the show.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes lies in the careful selection of just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the rich, luxurious flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Sweet Potatoes: Opt for orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel. These types cook up tender and soak in the caramel sauce beautifully. Make sure to peel and slice them evenly, about ¼-inch thick, for uniform cooking.
• Brown Sugar: This is the base of the caramel sauce. I prefer dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, but you can use light brown sugar if you prefer a lighter taste.
• Butter: Use real, unsalted butter for the richest flavor. The butter melts into the sugar, creating a luscious sauce that coats every slice of potato. No margarine substitutes here!
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and complexity. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste, but don't skip these – they make the dish!
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, not imitation, for the best flavor.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take these potatoes to the next level.

You'll also need a large baking dish and some foil to cover it as the sweet potatoes bake, ensuring they cook evenly and soak up all the syrupy goodness.

How To Make This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Creating these indulgent Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is easier than you might think. Let me walk you through it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, peel and slice your sweet potatoes into even, ¼-inch thick rounds. This ensures they cook at the same rate and absorb the maximum amount of flavor.

Next, arrange the sweet potato slices in a large baking dish. You can layer them neatly or scatter them in a rustic heap; either way, they'll cook beautifully.

Now, it’s time to make the magic sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of dark brown sugar. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, forming a thick, caramel-like mixture. Once it begins to bubble, add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Pour this heavenly sauce over the sweet potatoes, making sure every piece is coated.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This gives the sweet potatoes time to become tender and soak up the buttery, spiced caramel. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the edges of the potatoes are caramelized.

The total cook time is just over an hour, but trust me, the wait is worth it. You'll be rewarded with golden, glossy, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes swimming in an irresistible syrup.

Storage Options

Got leftovers (if you’re lucky)? Here's how to store them. Let the sweet potatoes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

If you’d like to freeze your sweet potatoes, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can customize it to suit your preferences or experiment with different flavors.

• Add Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before the final bake. The nuts toast in the oven, adding a delightful contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.
• Spice It Up: If you love warm, spicy flavors, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the sauce. A hint of ginger can also work wonders.
• Citrus Zest: For a fresh twist, grate a little orange or lemon zest into the caramel sauce. The bright citrus notes balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace part of the brown sugar with honey or pure maple syrup for a different, nuanced sweetness. This variation works particularly well if you’re pairing the sweet potatoes with roasted pork or poultry.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use vegan butter and swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a plant-based version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

The joy of cooking is in experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twist, these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are sure to become a treasured favorite. Enjoy!

Print