Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a beloved side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. This dish combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a rich, spiced syrup made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Often served during family gatherings and holidays, these candied sweet potatoes bring comfort and a touch of southern tradition to the table. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving or as an everyday side, this easy-to-make recipe guarantees a delightful addition to your meal. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part? It’s made with just a few simple ingredients that transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a flavorful treat that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Spicy Flavor Combination

The rich syrup made with brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives the sweet potatoes a deliciously warm and comforting flavor.

2. Simple and Easy to Make

With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these candied sweet potatoes are quick to put together and perfect for busy cooks.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions

This dish is a showstopper for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any meal that calls for a sweet and savory side dish.

4. Versatile and Adaptable

You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels based on your preferences. Add a little extra cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to personalize the flavor.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

With its rich and comforting taste, this dish is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, appealing to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes
Butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt

Variations

1. Pecan Topping

Add some chopped pecans to the top of the sweet potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for an added crunch and flavor boost.

2. Marshmallow Topping

For a more indulgent version, top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows during the final few minutes of baking and allow them to melt and brown.

3. Maple Syrup Twist

For a subtle change in flavor, swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup for a different, but equally delicious, taste.

4. Add a Touch of Orange

Incorporate a little orange juice or zest for a citrusy kick that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

5. Spiced Up Version

For extra warmth, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the syrup mixture for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the syrup mixture more effectively.

Step 3: Make the Syrup Mixture

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and cook for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish, layering them evenly. Pour the butter mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Uncover and Continue Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup mixture, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.

Step 7: Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these decadent candied sweet potatoes as the perfect side dish to any meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Slices: Try to slice the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Baste Regularly: For maximum flavor, be sure to baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup mixture during the second half of baking.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potatoes and syrup mixture in advance, then bake them right before serving for a time-saving option.
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg rather than pre-ground versions.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the syrup mixture before pouring it over the sweet potatoes and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more brown sugar or less.

How to Serve

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are perfect served alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken. They also make a great complement to dishes like cornbread, collard greens, or mashed potatoes. Serve them as part of a holiday feast or enjoy them with any family dinner for a rich and flavorful addition to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these candied sweet potatoes fresh, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, yams will work well in this recipe, offering a slightly different texture but similar sweetness.

2. Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of ground ginger to customize the flavor.

3. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have absorbed the syrup mixture, becoming caramelized and golden brown.

4. Can I make this recipe without butter?

You can substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

5. Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor, though the texture may be a little less thick.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe by using a larger baking dish, but be sure to monitor the baking time as it may vary.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sweet potatoes and syrup mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

8. Can I use pre-cooked sweet potatoes?

While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use pre-cooked sweet potatoes for a quicker option, though the flavor might not be as rich.

9. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using plant-based butter and a vegan sweetener such as coconut sugar or maple syrup.

10. How do I prevent the syrup from burning?

Be sure to bake the sweet potatoes covered with foil initially, and only uncover them for the last part of baking. This will help prevent the syrup from burning while allowing it to caramelize.

Conclusion

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a must-try dish for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery, spiced syrup combined with tender sweet potatoes creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and everything in between. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite side dish that everyone will love!