There's nothing quite like the taste of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, where tender slices of sweet potatoes are coated in a buttery, spiced glaze that caramelizes to perfection. The warm, sugary aroma alone will have your family eagerly gathering around the table.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of countless holiday gatherings where these sweet potatoes were always the star of the side dishes. The balance of sweet and spice, paired with that melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes this dish an irresistible comfort food. Let's dive into what makes this recipe so beloved.

Why You'll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort side dish. Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are everything you could want: sweet, buttery, and full of rich flavor.

Easy to Make: You don't need to be a seasoned chef to create this dish. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you'll have a side that's holiday-worthy yet perfect for weeknight dinners.
Rich and Indulgent: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a syrupy glaze that perfectly coats every tender slice of sweet potato. It's a flavor explosion in every bite!
A Family Favorite: Whether you're cooking for a small family dinner or a big Thanksgiving feast, this recipe is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. It's a timeless classic that bridges generations.
Versatile and Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be adapted to suit your preferences. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

If you're ready to bring a little Southern comfort to your table, let’s explore the ingredients that make these candied sweet potatoes shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes lies in their simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the iconic flavor and texture.

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Their natural sweetness intensifies when cooked, making them the perfect base for this dish.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. Butter adds richness and ensures the glaze is silky and luscious.
Brown Sugar: This is the foundation of the caramelized glaze. I prefer dark brown sugar for its deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works beautifully too.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ground ginger add warmth and complexity. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste, but don’t skip these—they’re essential for that Southern flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Orange Juice (Optional): For a citrusy twist, add a bit of orange juice to the glaze. It brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.

No special equipment is needed—just a sharp knife, a sturdy cutting board, and a large skillet or baking dish.

How To Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Making Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning side dish in no time.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
Make the Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the spices to bloom.
Coat the Potatoes: Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet, gently tossing them to coat each slice in the glaze. Lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid, letting the potatoes simmer for about 10 minutes.
Bake for Perfection: Transfer the coated sweet potatoes and any remaining glaze to a baking dish. Spread them out evenly, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze. The potatoes should be fork-tender and beautifully caramelized.
Serve Warm: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The glaze will thicken as it cools, creating that irresistible, sticky coating.

This recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish, and the results are well worth it. Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing!

Storage Options

One of the best things about Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is how well they store and reheat. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: If you want to save them for later, place the cooked sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To revive the glaze, reheat the dish in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of water or orange juice if the glaze seems too thick.

Variations and Substitutions

This classic recipe is delicious as-is, but there’s plenty of room to get creative:

Marshmallow Topping: For a sweeter twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let them melt and toast for a gooey finish.
Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. They complement the caramel flavors beautifully.
Healthier Option: Swap some of the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Citrus Infusion: Replace part of the brown sugar with orange marmalade or add some fresh orange zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy note.
Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some freshly grated ginger to the glaze. The contrast between sweet and spicy is amazing!

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. You’ll find that every variation is just as delightful as the original.

Bring a touch of Southern charm to your dinner table with these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. Whether you're serving them for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!