There's nothing quite like the rich, caramelized goodness of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes to add a touch of tradition and warmth to your meal. This classic side dish features tender sweet potatoes cooked slowly in a luscious brown sugar syrup, with a hint of cinnamon and a glossy finish that’ll leave you craving more.

I first tasted these irresistible sweet potatoes at a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by my grandmother. They were the star of the show, outshining even the turkey. Since then, this recipe has become a must-have for every holiday feast, and I'm thrilled to share my family’s favorite version with you.

Why You'll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. These Candied Sweet Potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of home to any table.

First, the texture is perfection. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes are caramelized in a rich, buttery syrup that tastes like pure magic. You’ll savor every bite, as the potatoes soak up all the sweet, spiced flavors.

Another reason to love this recipe is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps; it all comes together with basic ingredients and a bit of patience. Your oven will do most of the work, making it ideal for busy holiday meal prep.

It’s also a great make-ahead dish. The flavors only deepen as they sit, so preparing these sweet potatoes the night before can make your holiday spread even easier. And, the leftovers? Absolutely divine.

Lastly, this dish is highly adaptable. Whether you prefer a hint of vanilla, a touch more cinnamon, or even a splash of orange juice for extra brightness, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences perfectly.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to balance the sweetness and create an unforgettable flavor profile.

Let’s talk about the star of the show: sweet potatoes. You’ll want to choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes that are vibrant in color. They should be free of any bruises or soft spots. Look for the orange-fleshed varieties, like Garnet or Jewel, as they caramelize beautifully and offer the perfect balance of sweetness.

Brown sugar is what gives these sweet potatoes their signature caramelized flavor. I recommend using dark brown sugar if you want a deeper, molasses-like richness, but light brown sugar works well too. Don’t worry if you only have one or the other; either one will do the trick.

Butter is essential for a luxurious and rich syrup. Use real, unsalted butter for the best results, as it melts and combines with the sugar to form a velvety sauce. Margarine just won’t cut it here!

The spices are where the warmth and coziness come in. A blend of ground cinnamon and nutmeg provides the perfect holiday flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking or add a pinch of ground ginger for a little extra kick.

Finally, a splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding a touch of depth and aromatic sweetness. If you have vanilla bean paste, you can use that for an even more luxurious flavor.

How To Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Creating these sweet, caramelized potatoes is simpler than you might think. Follow along, and your kitchen will soon be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of holiday goodness.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and peel your sweet potatoes. Slice them into thick, evenly sized rounds, about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t fall apart in the syrup. Arrange the slices in a single layer in a large baking dish.

Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture cook until the sugar has dissolved and everything is well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the buttery brown sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Toss the potatoes gently to coat each piece thoroughly. It might seem like a lot of liquid, but as the potatoes bake, they’ll soak up all the syrupy goodness.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, give the potatoes a gentle stir, and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the syrup has thickened and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, glistening in that beautiful caramel sauce.

The total baking time is about an hour, but it’s well worth the wait. Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving – the syrup will thicken even more as it stands.

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), you’ll be glad to know that Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes store beautifully.

Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled sweet potatoes to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making them even more delicious the next day.

Freeze: You can also freeze candied sweet potatoes if you’d like to make them well in advance. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat: To reheat, warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen up the syrup.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Add orange zest or juice: For a citrusy twist, add the zest of an orange or a few tablespoons of fresh orange juice to the syrup. It’ll add a lovely brightness to the dish and balance the sweetness.

Try maple syrup: Swap out some of the brown sugar for real maple syrup to add a touch of earthy flavor. It pairs beautifully with the spices and enhances the caramelized notes.

Nutty toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking. The nuts add a delicious crunch and a hint of bitterness to offset the sweetness.

Spice it up: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the syrup. It gives a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the sweet, buttery sauce.

Alcoholic twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the syrup for a deeper, more complex flavor. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind warm, toasty notes that are perfect for the holidays.

Feel free to experiment and adjust to your liking. Cooking should be fun, and this recipe is a great canvas for your creativity!