There's nothing quite like the irresistible smell of Southern candied sweet potatoes baking in the oven. The buttery caramelized syrup seeps into every fork-tender bite, making this classic dish a must-have on any holiday table. Sweet, spiced, and utterly comforting, it's the kind of side dish that disappears before the turkey even gets carved.
I remember learning this recipe from my grandmother, who always prepared it with love and a touch of extra cinnamon. We’d sit around the table, savoring every morsel and recounting family memories. Trust me, once you taste this version of candied sweet potatoes, you’ll understand why it’s been a cherished family tradition.
Why You'll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Southern classic. These candied sweet potatoes are simply irresistible, perfect for holiday feasts or any time you’re craving comfort food.
First, the flavor profile is divine. The combination of brown sugar, melted butter, and warm spices creates a rich caramel syrup that coats every slice of sweet potato. With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, it will have you coming back for seconds.
It’s also an incredibly easy recipe. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep before letting the oven work its magic. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required – ideal for when you’re juggling multiple holiday dishes.
The texture is something to write home about. The potatoes turn soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender as they soak up all those lovely flavors. It’s a perfect pairing of silky, glazed sweetness and a hint of spice in every bite.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile enough to please everyone. While it's perfect as a Thanksgiving side, it can also be a delicious complement to savory main dishes throughout the year. And with just a few adjustments, you can even customize it to suit your taste.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Southern candied sweet potatoes lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role in bringing out the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture.
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully when baked. Make sure to peel and cut them into thick, even slices to ensure uniform cooking. Garnet or Jewel varieties work best for that deep orange color and creamy texture.
Brown Sugar: This is what gives the syrup its rich, molasses-like flavor. Dark brown sugar is ideal, but you can use light brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand. It melts beautifully and provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for full control over the seasoning. The melted butter adds richness and helps to create that luscious, caramel-like syrup that coats the sweet potatoes. For a deeper, more complex flavor, you can even use a mix of butter and ghee.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the dish. Cinnamon is a must, while a pinch of nutmeg or even ground ginger can elevate the flavor further. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in taste.
Optional Add-Ins: Want to make your sweet potatoes extra special? Consider adding a handful of pecans for some crunch or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra richness. These add-ins can take your dish to the next level without much extra effort.
How To Make This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Creating these luscious candied sweet potatoes is simpler than you think. Let’s break down the process step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the sweet potatoes don’t stick as they bake. Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into thick rounds, about ½ inch each. This thickness allows them to become tender without turning mushy.
Arrange the sweet potato slices in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. You can overlap them slightly if needed, but try to keep them mostly in one layer for even cooking.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma at this stage is heavenly!
Pour the warm syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure each piece is well coated. Don’t worry if the syrup seems thin – it will thicken beautifully as it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, basting the potatoes with the syrup halfway through. This keeps them moist and allows the flavors to soak in.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened. If you like a little extra caramelization, you can broil them for a minute or two – just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
The total time will be around an hour, but it’s worth every second. Once done, let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll end up with a dish that’s sticky, sweet, and full of flavor.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Southern candied sweet potatoes store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday meals.
Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked sweet potatoes. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of water or extra syrup to help them rehydrate.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some ways to make it your own:
Swap the Sweetener: For a unique twist, try using maple syrup or honey in place of some or all of the brown sugar. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Add Some Crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts halfway through baking. The nuts will toast up nicely and add a lovely texture contrast to the tender sweet potatoes.
Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like cloves, allspice, or a dash of ginger. You can also add a bit of orange zest for a bright, citrusy kick.
Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, simply replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. It will still turn out beautifully caramelized and flavorful.
Less Sweet Version: If you prefer a more savory twist, reduce the amount of brown sugar and add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of rosemary for an herbaceous note.
No matter how you choose to customize this dish, you’ll end up with a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to enjoy one of the South’s most beloved recipes!
PrintThe Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
The Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery, caramelized sauce. This classic Southern side dish uses simple ingredients to bring out maximum flavor, making it a perfect holiday staple. Try this crowd-pleasing favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add both sugars, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves, forming a syrup.
- Pour the syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, stir gently, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Add the vanilla extract, gently stir, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar if desired.
- Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated in the syrup for a more uniform flavor.
- For an extra twist, try adding a touch of orange zest or pecans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 80mg
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