If you are craving a dish that radiates warmth, comfort, and a hint of southern charm, look no further than this Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender sweet potatoes enveloped in a luscious, caramelized glaze spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg—this classic recipe transforms humble ingredients into a dish that feels like a hug from the inside. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spice, with buttery richness that makes every bite feel like a festive celebration. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or simply to brighten up your dinner table, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor, texture, and inviting color. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this dish that tastes so indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward.
- 2 cups white sugar: The essential sweetener that forms the caramelized candy coating around the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice note that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the spice profile with its slightly nutty, sweet aroma.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
- 1/2 cup butter: Brings a rich, creamy texture and helps the sugar develop into a luscious sauce.
- 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced: The star ingredient, tender yet firm enough to hold candy glaze beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a deep, fragrant sweetness that rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar and Spice Mix
Start by blending the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This simple combination is where the magic begins, infusing the sweet potatoes with warmth and rich sweetness.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Coat Sweet Potatoes
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Toss in the sliced sweet potatoes and stir well to coat their surfaces with the buttery goodness, ensuring each piece will soak up the flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Add Sugar Mixture and Stir
Sprinkle your prepared sugar and spice blend evenly over the sweet potatoes in the skillet. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so the sugar mix sits on the potatoes, ready to melt into that gorgeous candy glaze.
Step 4: Cover and Reduce Heat
Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and lower the heat to low. This slow cooking is key to letting the sweet potatoes soften while the sugar slowly caramelizes, creating those signature candied edges.
Step 5: Cook Until Perfectly Candied
Let the sweet potatoes cook for about an hour, stirring every so often to prevent sticking and to evenly coat the potatoes as the sauce thickens and darkens. The potatoes should become tender inside with a slight bite at the edges, cloaked in a glossy, sweet sauce.
Step 6: Stir in Vanilla and Serve
Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to brighten and deepen the flavor. Give everything one last gentle mix and your Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is ready to make its grand entrance on the table.
How to Serve Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To bring a fresh contrast to the sweet decadence, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving. A dusting of freshly chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of orange zest can also add a bright touch that enlivens each bite.
Side Dishes
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes pair beautifully with roast meats like turkey, ham, or glazed chicken. They also complement savory sides such as collard greens or green beans, offering a balanced meal with layers of sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the candied sweet potatoes in individual ramekins or decorative mini cast-iron skillets—this makes the presentation both charming and personal. Layer with a dollop of whipped maple cream or sprinkle with mini marshmallows and briefly broil for a toasty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them fully in the fridge before reheating to preserve their soft texture and candy glaze.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sweet potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to revive the glossy candied sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness, which adds complexity to the candied sauce. Keep in mind it may create a slightly darker glaze.
What type of sweet potatoes work best?
Firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape during the hour-long cooking and have a naturally sweet flavor that the spices enhance beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and be sure to use a vegan vanilla extract. The dish will still have the same rich flavor and lovely texture.
Can I add other spices?
While cinnamon and nutmeg create the classic flavor profile, feel free to experiment with a pinch of cloves, allspice, or ginger for a unique twist on this Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
How thick should I slice the sweet potatoes?
About 1/4 inch thick slices work best, allowing them to cook evenly and develop that ideal tender inside with slightly crisp edges.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a timeless treasure that brings a cozy, sweet touch to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, full of nostalgic flavor, and guaranteed to become a staple you’ll reach for again and again. I promise, once you make these candied sweet potatoes, they’ll be the highlight of your table and a new favorite for your loved ones to enjoy.
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic comfort dish featuring tender sweet potato slices coated in a rich, buttery cinnamon and nutmeg spiced glaze. Slow-cooked in a skillet until perfectly candied with a deep caramelized sauce, this recipe offers a sweet and warmly spiced side that complements any southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Spice and Sugar Mix
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Mix the sugar and spices: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of white sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, stirring until evenly mixed to create the spice-sugar blend.
- Melt butter and coat potatoes: Place 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to fully melt. Add the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring well to coat each piece evenly with melted butter.
- Add sugar mixture to sweet potatoes: Sprinkle the prepared sugar and spice mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the skillet. Stir gently to ensure the potatoes are well coated with the sugary spices.
- Cover and reduce heat: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low to allow gentle cooking and caramelization without burning the sugar.
- Cook until candied: Let the sweet potatoes cook for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce will darken into a rich caramel color, and the potatoes should become tender with slightly firm edges where they caramelize.
- Add vanilla and serve: Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for added flavor just before serving. Serve warm as a delicious, sweet side dish.
Notes
- Use firm sweet potatoes for best texture.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent burning.
- The cooking time is long to allow proper caramelization; do not rush the process by increasing heat.
- This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adjust spices to taste for more or less cinnamon and nutmeg.
