They’re syrupy, they’re sweet, and they can be quite the treat! These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes belong on your plate.
You can always count on southern candied sweet potatoes to bring warmth and sweetness to the table. This easy recipe is made with thick chunks of sweet potatoes. They’re tossed in a buttery blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and both white and brown sugar. The sweet potato chunks are then baked until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you grew up eating them at holiday dinners or just love a good soul food side dish, these brown sugar candied sweet potatoes are sure to hit the spot.
What Makes These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Comforting?
- They’re soul-soothing and perfectly spiced: It’s the kind of food that hugs you from the inside out.
- It’s a simple dish: Just a handful of pantry staples and a quick stovetop syrup come together in minutes.
- They’re sweet and buttery: Every bite is coated in warm cinnamon-spiced brown sugar glaze.
- They pair well with savory foods: I like eating my sweet potatoes with mac and cheese and collard greens! It’s so delicious!
- They’re oven-baked and no-fuss: No need to stand over the stove. Just toss them in the oven and let the magic happen.
- They’re a crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults can’t get enough of this dish!
- They taste like dessert: Who doesn’t love that? My Southern candied sweet potatoes remind me of sweet potato pie, and honestly, that’s more than enough for me!
Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes –The sweet potatoes are the star of the dish. They provide natural sweetness and tenderness that soak up all the sugary, buttery flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick) – Melted unsalted butter richly coats the sweet potatoes. It creates a syrupy and glistening glaze as it combines with the sugars.
- Ground Cinnamon – The familiar flavor of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, giving the sweet potatoes that cozy, unmistakable Southern spice.
- Ground Nutmeg – Nutmeg enhances the flavor with a slight nuttiness.
- Granulated Sugar – Granulated sugar brings familiar sweetness and helps form the sticky, candy-like coating on the sweet potatoes.
- Light Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar contributes a rich and deep molasses flavor and helps to caramelize the taste of the dish.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven & Make the Glaze: Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in both sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in Sweet Potatoes: Reduce the heat to low and gently toss in the sweet potato chunks, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Place in Baking Dish: Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a large baking dish. Pour any leftover butter mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, then baste and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving and enjoying!
Tips for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Slice your sweet potatoes into even slices. This makes them cook evenly.
- Use real butter. It adds a rich flavor that margarine just can’t match.
- Taste the glaze mixture. Everyone has their own sweetness preference. Taste the mixture before baking everything and adjust as needed.
- Remember to baste them. Basting the sweet potatoes halfway through baking them helps keep them moist, glossy, and deepens the flavor.
- Rest them before serving. Letting them rest for a few minutes helps the syrup thicken and cling to the potatoes even more.
How to Serve Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern candied sweet potatoes are a classic side for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. But don’t wait for a holiday! They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy Sunday dinner. They taste delicious with: Fried chicken, pot roast, scallops, baked ham, meatloaf, mac and cheese, collard greens, and/or black-eyed peas! They can even be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the kind of dish that warms hearts and brings people together. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a regular weeknight dinner, they add a touch of sweetness and a lot of comfort to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience while they bake, you’ll have a comforting and cozy side dish. Enjoy!!
Southern Candied Potatoes
Course: Holiday Recipes, Side DishesCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes1
hour5
minutes1
hour20
minutesIngredients
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into equal sized chunks
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in both sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Reduce the heat to low and gently toss in the sweet potato chunks, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a large baking dish. Pour any leftover butter mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then baste and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving and enjoying!
Notes
- 3 pounds of sweet potatoes is approximately 3 large, 4 medium, or 5 to 6 small sweet potatoes.
