Description
Bring the taste of the South to your table with this classic Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe. Sliced sweet potatoes are simmered in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze with warm spices until tender and syrupy. This easy stovetop dish is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any night you need cozy comfort food. Whether you’re searching for Thanksgiving side dishes, easy dinner ideas, or soul food classics, these candied sweet potatoes check every box. They’re sweet, spiced, and full of nostalgic Southern flavor.
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring until it bubbles and blends into a syrup.
3. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully incorporated.
4. Arrange the sweet potato slices in the skillet, gently tossing them to coat in the syrup.
5. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring and basting occasionally.
6. Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for 10–15 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken.
7. Once tender and glazed, turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the syrup to settle and thicken further.
Notes
Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Garnet or Jewel) for the best texture and flavor.
Keep the heat low during cooking to prevent burning the sugar syrup.
Let the dish sit before serving—the glaze thickens beautifully as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: candied sweet potatoes, southern sweet potatoes, sweet potato side dish, holiday sides, comfort food, soul food, easy dinner ideas, Thanksgiving sides