Southern candied sweet potatoes in a rustic holiday setting

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – A Soulful Comfort Food Classic

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There are few dishes that sing the sweet, syrupy song of the American South quite like Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. This cherished side dish, often gracing holiday tables and Sunday dinners, is a beautiful blend of tender sweet potatoes, buttery richness, and a caramel-like glaze of brown sugar and spices.

Growing up in a home where Southern cooking was revered, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the warm scent of sweet potatoes baking, the sugary glaze bubbling gently on the stovetop. She never measured—just a pinch of this and a splash of that—but somehow, they turned out perfectly every time. Today, I’m sharing a version that’s just as heartwarming, with all the precision you need to recreate this nostalgic dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Classic

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are more than a side dish—they’re a statement of Southern hospitality and flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

  • Sweet and Spiced: The glaze is a luxurious mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter.
  • Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is likely already in your pantry.
  • Versatile: Perfect for holiday meals, BBQs, or as a comforting weeknight side.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Southern candied sweet potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to create these caramelized beauties:

  • 4–5 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark works)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (optional for added depth)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of one orange (optional but adds a fresh zing)

Instructions

Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Glazing syrup for candied sweet potatoes
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange them in a single layer in a large, greased baking dish.

Make the Glaze

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, water, maple syrup or honey (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Bake to Perfection

  1. Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil, gently spoon the glaze over the sweet potatoes, and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the glaze is thick and bubbling.

Tips for the Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Baked candied sweet potatoes fresh from the oven
  • Slice Evenly: This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Butter: It’s essential for that rich, silky glaze.
  • Let it Rest: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving so the glaze thickens more.
  • Enhance with Extras: A splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of pecans adds depth and texture.

Variations

  • Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and maple syrup in place of honey.
  • Mini Marshmallow Topping: For a casserole twist, sprinkle marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Bourbon-Infused: Add 1–2 tbsp of bourbon to the glaze for an adult-friendly flair.

Serving Suggestions

Southern dinner plate with candied sweet potatoes

These candied yams pair beautifully with other Southern staples:

  • Honey-Glazed Ham
  • Collard Greens
  • Fried Chicken
  • Cornbread or Biscuits
  • Mac and Cheese

And don’t forget a glass of sweet iced tea or a tall glass of lemonade!

A Dish for Every Occasion

Though especially beloved during Thanksgiving and Christmas, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes can grace your table any time. Bring them to a potluck, pair them with grilled meats for a summer BBQ, or serve them alongside a hearty roast in winter.

Storing & Reheating

  • To Store: Let cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

The Southern Legacy of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have long been a Southern staple, grown abundantly in warm climates and cherished for their versatility and nutritional benefits. Candied sweet potatoes became a hallmark of Southern cooking thanks to African-American culinary traditions, where root vegetables were transformed into dishes rich in flavor and meaning.

Readers’ Favorite Additions

  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture.
  • Toasted Pecans: A crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes.
  • Coconut Sugar: For a twist on traditional brown sugar.

Nutrition Highlights

While decadent, sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and adding orange zest can elevate both flavor and nutrition.