Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

You’re in for a classic comfort food treat! 🍠 Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are tender slices of sweet potato slow-cooked in a buttery, spiced brown sugar glaze until caramelized and rich — a staple in many Southern kitchens, especially during the holidays.

🍠 Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

🍴 Serves: 6

⏱ Total Time: 1 hour

(Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min)

🧂 Ingredients:

• 4 to 5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ground ginger (optional)

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: maple syrup or a drizzle of honey (for extra richness)

• Optional: orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes:

• Wash, peel, and slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.

• Arrange them in a single layer (or slightly overlapping) in a large skillet or baking dish.

2. Make the Candied Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

• Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.

• Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling gently (about 3–5 minutes).

• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

3. Pour & Simmer/Bake:

Option A: On the stovetop

• Pour the sauce over the sweet potatoes in a deep skillet.

• Cover and cook on low heat for about 45–50 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to coat all pieces.

• Uncover in the last 10 minutes to thicken the glaze.

Option B: In the oven (recommended)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Pour the sauce over the potatoes in a baking dish.

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, basting with the sauce occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized.

📝 Tips:

• Don’t over-stir while cooking or baking, or the potatoes may break apart.

• Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor.

• This dish gets better after sitting — great for making a few hours ahead or reheating the next day!