The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of candied sweet potatoes baking in the oven. These Southern-style sweet potatoes, tender and caramelized in a luscious brown sugar glaze, are the perfect addition to any holiday table or Sunday dinner.

This recipe is a cherished family tradition in my home, passed down through generations. It’s simple, made with pantry staples, yet delivers big on flavor and warmth. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a show-stopper.

Why You'll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to experience sweet potatoes in their most indulgent form. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish that’s impossible to resist.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these sweet potatoes in the oven in under 15 minutes.

Next, the flavors are pure nostalgia. The buttery brown sugar glaze, enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, gives the dish its signature taste – rich, sweet, and irresistibly comforting.

This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a holiday side or a weeknight treat, these candied sweet potatoes always steal the spotlight, making it a must-have for any gathering.

Lastly, it’s adaptable. You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring this dish becomes your own special tradition.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, relying on just a few high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor.

• Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skin. These will cook evenly and have the perfect balance of sweetness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works best to control the saltiness of the dish, creating a rich and silky glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar work beautifully, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for the warm, cozy notes. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can be added for a unique twist.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors, adding a touch of sophistication to the glaze.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and highlight the natural flavors of the potatoes.

You’ll also need a large baking dish and a sharp knife for peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes.

How To Make This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Making these candied sweet potatoes is as easy as peeling, slicing, and baking. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into evenly sized rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Uniform slices ensure they cook evenly and soak up the glaze.

Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Overlapping slightly is fine, but try to keep them mostly flat for even caramelization.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for a minute or two until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the warm glaze over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, helping the sweet potatoes become tender.

Remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the glaze from the dish. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are soft and the glaze has thickened into a caramel-like consistency.

Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set slightly.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these candied sweet potatoes store beautifully.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a small splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.

For longer storage, freeze the sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to restore the caramelized glaze.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for creative tweaks and personal touches.

• Less Sweet: Reduce the brown sugar to suit a less sugary palate while still enjoying a hint of caramelized goodness.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Orange-Infused: Add a splash of fresh orange juice or zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing richness.

Experimenting with these variations ensures the recipe stays fresh and exciting for years to come.

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a timeless dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, they’re sure to become a beloved part of your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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