The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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Here’s the recipe for The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, a comforting and classic side dish. Sweet potatoes are coated in a buttery, spiced caramel-like glaze and baked to tender perfection—perfect for holidays or any special meal!

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water (or orange juice for a citrus twist)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the sweet potatoes:
    • Arrange the sweet potato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
  3. Make the candied glaze:
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, water (or orange juice), cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and a pinch of salt.
    • Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Coat the sweet potatoes:
    • Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are all coated. Use a spoon to toss lightly if necessary.
  5. Bake:
    • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the foil, gently baste the sweet potatoes with the glaze, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze is thick and bubbly.
  6. Serve:
    • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon some of the glaze over the top for extra flavor.

Tips for Success:

  • Choose firm, evenly-sized sweet potatoes for consistent cooking.
  • For deeper flavor, add a touch of maple syrup or a splash of bourbon to the glaze.
  • Make ahead by preparing the dish up to the baking step and refrigerating it. Bake just before serving.

This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is rich, sweet, and buttery—perfect for Thanksgiving or any comfort-food meal!

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