Southern candied sweet potatoes are a staple in Southern cuisine, especially during the holidays. This Southern candied sweet potatoes recipe features sweet potatoes cooked in a rich, buttery glaze until they caramelize and become tender, making them the perfect side dish for family gatherings. Whether you’ve enjoyed them at Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish brings both flavor and nostalgia to the table.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the traditional Southern candied sweet potatoes recipe and offer tips on variations and serving. Sweet potatoes do more than just taste delicious—they provide vitamins and nutrients. If you’re interested in the health benefits of this root vegetable, check out this guide on sweet potatoes. It’s fascinating to see how such a tasty dish can also be healthy!
What Makes Candied Sweet Potatoes So Special?
Candied sweet potatoes are all about simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients—sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg—this dish transforms into a sweet, caramelized side that pairs perfectly with savory meals. Southern cooking shines with dishes like candied sweet potatoes on the holiday table, often served with other Southern classics.
If you’re planning your next holiday menu, try exploring some of the other Southern staples, like this authentic chicken and sausage gumbo recipe. It’s another dish that delivers comfort and flavor.
Ingredients for the Perfect Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
You need just a few key ingredients to make the best candied sweet potatoes:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted both work, but adjust the salt accordingly.
- Sugar: White or brown sugar adds sweetness, though you can experiment with alternatives like maple syrup.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (optional) enhance the flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: While optional, it adds a lovely sweetness.
If you’re exploring other delicious Southern-inspired meals, you might also like trying a gumbo recipe that complements the richness of candied sweet potatoes. Check out whether to cook chicken before adding it to gumbo for more details on that hearty dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups sugar (white or brown)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes: Cut them into round slices, about ¼ inch thick.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, sugar, and any spices.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the skillet and let the sweet potatoes cook on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with vanilla: After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the glaze thicken: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to let the glaze set before serving.
Recipe Variations
While the traditional candied sweet potatoes recipe is a classic, you can switch it up in many ways:
- Use brown sugar instead of white to create a richer flavor.
- Add maple syrup or honey to naturally sweeten the dish.
- Top with marshmallows during the last few minutes of cooking for a fun twist.
For those seeking variety, consider trying other Southern favorites. Recipes like pound cake or classic gumbo can elevate your holiday menu. You can also find tips on keeping baked goods moist, like in this guide on how to keep pound cake from being dry.
Storage and Reheating Tips
You can easily prepare candied sweet potatoes in advance and store them for later:
- Refrigerate the dish by letting it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat them in the oven at 350°F or use the microwave until heated through.
Southern candied sweet potatoes are a must-try dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you serve them for the holidays or a weeknight dinner, they will impress anyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bring this Southern classic into your kitchen.
For more ideas on Southern cooking and ways to elevate your meals, don’t forget to explore Samuel’s Recipes for more inspiration!
3 thoughts on “Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe”