Kitchies! If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Southern candied sweet potatoes, you know just how irresistible they can be. Imagine soft, tender sweet potatoes bathed in a sticky, golden syrup made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s a dish that’s a little sweet, a little savory, and totally comforting – the kind of recipe that fills your home with warm, delicious aromas and makes everyone gather around the table a little closer.

What’s so magical about these candied sweet potatoes isn’t just the perfect balance of sweetness, but the texture. When baked just right, the sweet potatoes become soft and velvety, and the syrupy glaze coats them in a luxurious, caramel-like finish. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or even a special Sunday meal.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s both decadent and comforting. If you’re looking to impress your guests, or just indulge in a little soul food at home, these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the answer.

Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and flavorful, making them an irresistible side dish for any meal. The tender sweet potatoes are baked in a syrup made with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla – the ultimate combination of ingredients that make every bite a delight. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, they’re sure to be a hit.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a side that’s rich in flavor and full of Southern comfort. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time for good reason – Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a must-try!

Exciting Story:

Every Thanksgiving, without fail, my grandmother would make her signature candied sweet potatoes. As kids, we’d watch in awe as she carefully sliced the sweet potatoes, then smothered them in a rich syrup that would turn the edges golden and crisp while keeping the insides melt-in-your-mouth soft. My siblings and I would fight over the last spoonfuls, knowing they were the best part of the meal.

As I got older, I started making the recipe myself, and it’s now a tradition I carry on in my own home. Every time I serve them, my family’s faces light up just like mine did when I was little. It’s a simple dish, but it brings so much joy to the table, and I think that’s what makes it so special. These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes have become a beloved staple in our family’s gatherings.

Why These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Are So Amazing

Selling Points:

Sweet & Buttery Perfection: The rich combination of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon gives these sweet potatoes a decadent flavor that’s perfectly balanced.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The slow baking process ensures the sweet potatoes become soft and tender, while the syrup creates a gorgeous, sticky glaze.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a few pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s both easy and incredibly delicious.
A Southern Tradition: This recipe captures the essence of Southern comfort food, bringing the flavors of the South to your table with ease.

Cuisine: Southern

Tips:

Prevent Burnt Edges: Be sure to cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to keep the syrup from burning.
Thicker Syrup: If you prefer a thicker syrup, let it simmer a bit longer on the stovetop before pouring it over the potatoes.
Crispy Topping: For a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Substitutions and Variations:

Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice to add depth to the flavor.
Maple Syrup: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a more natural, earthy sweetness.
Pecan Topping: If you love nuts, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top of the sweet potatoes before baking for a crunchy finish.
Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

Make a Healthier Version:

Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit to cut back on the sweetness.
Butter Substitute: Use olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier fat alternative.
Less Syrup: Use less syrup to reduce the overall sweetness while still keeping the rich flavor.

Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:

And there you have it! These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday or a weeknight dinner, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other delicious recipes:

Relevant Categories:

Sides
Comfort Food
Holiday Dishes
Southern Cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it, then reheat it in the oven before serving.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture, but canned will work in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time.
Can I add marshmallows to this dish? Absolutely! Marshmallows are a great topping for candied sweet potatoes if you want that classic touch.
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker? Yes! Place the sweet potatoes and syrup mixture in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I use a different sugar? You can use white sugar, coconut sugar, or even maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar.
Can I add nuts? Yes, adding toasted pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of baking is a great way to add some texture.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a touch of heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Can I make this dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter and choose a dairy-free substitute for the syrup if needed.
Can I freeze these sweet potatoes? Yes, you can freeze the candied sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Just make sure they cool completely before freezing.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Victoria

Print Recipe

Description

Kitchies! If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Southern candied sweet potatoes, you know just how irresistible they can be.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or a pinch of cloves for added spice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, peel and slice your sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds, making sure they’re even for consistent cooking. Place the sweet potato slices in a baking dish, and then set them aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, water, and salt. Stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, forming a smooth syrup. If you’re adding nutmeg or cloves, toss those in as well. Once everything is melted and combined, pour the syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is well coated.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and let the syrup thicken and bubble, giving the sweet potatoes that caramelized look. Once finished, serve them hot, and enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness!