Name: Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Ingredients:; 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional but recommended); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Special Equipment:; Baking dish or large skillet; Aluminum foil for covering during baking

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

When the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn golden, there’s one dish that I can’t resist making: Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. This recipe has quickly become a staple in our household, especially around holiday season. It’s one of those comforting, classic dishes that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. Imagine tender slices of sweet potatoes, caramelized in a buttery, cinnamon-infused syrup—every bite feels like a little hug.

I first made this recipe because I wanted something rich yet simple to balance our family dinners. My kids love the sweet, almost dessert-like flavor, and my partner always asks for seconds. I love how easy it is to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients I already have on hand. The smell alone, wafting through the kitchen as it cooks, is enough to make everyone gather around, eagerly waiting for a taste.

While many candied sweet potato recipes can be cloying or overly complicated, this version strikes a perfect balance. Each slice is beautifully coated in a syrupy glaze, with just the right hint of spice. From Thanksgiving gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners, these sweet potatoes have become one of our go-to comfort foods. I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your home, too, as you gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy every warm, buttery bite.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Q: Are yams and sweet potatoes the same for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, it’s best to use sweet potatoes. True yams have a different texture and flavor that won’t caramelize as well.

Q: What should I serve with these sweet potatoes?
A: These pair wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted turkey, ham, or even a simple roast chicken. They’re a great addition to any holiday spread!

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet version, though it may not caramelize as richly. A dash of maple syrup can also add a natural sweetness.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

What You Need to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients:

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup (optional but recommended)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Special Equipment:

Baking dish or large skillet

Aluminum foil for covering during baking

How to make it:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the sweet potato slices in an even layer in your baking dish.

Make the Syrup: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

Pour and Coat: Pour the syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is well coated.

Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to steam and soften.

Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, spooning any extra syrup over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips:

Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, firm sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor. Avoid canned versions, which won’t hold up as well.

Maple Syrup for Extra Flavor: Adding a bit of maple syrup elevates the sweetness and gives a beautiful depth of flavor.

Baste Frequently: Basting the sweet potatoes with the syrup a couple of times during baking helps them caramelize beautifully.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, cut back a little on the brown sugar and skip the granulated sugar, though it may affect the glaze’s richness.

Latest Reviews:

★★★★★ “This was a hit with the whole family! My kids, who usually don’t like sweet potatoes, asked for seconds.” — Sarah P.

★★★★★ “Perfect for Thanksgiving! So easy to make, and the cinnamon and nutmeg give it that warm holiday vibe.” — James L.

★★★★ “Delicious and buttery, but next time I’ll try adding a pinch more salt to balance the sweetness.” — Maria G.

★★★★★ “Made this for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes. Everyone was asking for the recipe!” — Emily T.

★★★★ “Great for busy weeknights, but I found it a bit too sweet. I’ll cut down on the sugar next time.” — Mark W.

Printable Recipe:

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3