Southern candied sweet potatoes are the perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. Growing up in a Southern family, I always looked forward to holiday gatherings where this dish would steal the show. Tender sweet potatoes baked in a luscious sauce of brown sugar, butter, and spices create an irresistible side dish that complements everything from holiday turkeys to weeknight dinners. With their sweet and slightly caramelized finish, these sweet potatoes are bound to become a staple on your table.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to try your hand at making Southern candied sweet potatoes. First off, this dish is a fantastic blend of simplicity and taste—it’s easy to prepare yet delivers a symphony of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or even a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is versatile and uncomplicated. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who can resist the charms of sweet potatoes glazed in butter and sugar.
"I made these sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving, and they were the highlight of the meal! Everyone was raving about the flavor and caramelization. Absolutely delicious!" – Emily R.
The cooking process explained
Getting started with Southern candied sweet potatoes is straightforward! You’ll begin by slicing the sweet potatoes and preparing a rich, bubbling glaze of butter, sugar, and spice. The process consists of just a few simple steps: slice, simmer, pour, and bake. From the moment you begin until you pull that bubbling dish out of the oven, the enticing aroma will have your mouth watering.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your delectable Southern candied sweet potatoes:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
These ingredients will combine beautifully, but feel free to substitute maple syrup with honey or use coconut sugar for a less processed option.
