There’s something magical about Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – they’re sweet, caramelized, and have just the right amount of spice to make each bite unforgettable. With a glossy, buttery syrup that coats each slice, these candied sweet potatoes bring a deliciously nostalgic Southern touch to any meal.

I first learned to make this dish from a family friend who swore by its simplicity and big flavors. With just a few basic ingredients, these sweet potatoes turn into a show-stopping side that’s a must-have for holiday gatherings. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a Southern classic and how you can make it at home.

Why You’ll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With only a few steps, you’ll have a side dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The butter, brown sugar, and spices cook down into a thick syrup that clings to each potato slice, creating a perfect caramelized coating.

The flavor is sweet but balanced. While the brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon bring warmth, a dash of nutmeg or ginger adds depth that’s not too overwhelming. This combination creates a comforting taste that complements any savory main dish.

Best of all, these candied sweet potatoes have that melt-in-your-mouth texture. After cooking on low heat, the potatoes become tender and fully infused with the rich, buttery syrup. Every bite is soft and flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

This dish is also a great make-ahead option for holiday meals, as the flavors only get better with time!

Ingredients Notes

Simple yet flavorful, the ingredients in Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes work together to create a rich, caramelized side dish.

Sweet Potatoes: The key to a good candied sweet potato dish is using the right kind of potato. Choose medium-sized orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled as yams in grocery stores) for their naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that classic molasses flavor that caramelizes beautifully. You can use either light or dark brown sugar; dark will create a deeper, more robust flavor.
Butter: A generous amount of unsalted butter is essential to achieve that glossy, buttery syrup. It helps coat the sweet potatoes and prevents the sugar from sticking to the pan.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warming spices are what make Southern candied sweet potatoes so comforting. Cinnamon adds sweetness, while a pinch of nutmeg brings just a hint of spice. You could also add a dash of ginger for extra warmth.
Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla extract gives the syrup a hint of warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes.

For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet or baking dish and a spatula to gently coat the potatoes as they cook.

How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes come together with minimal effort. Here’s how to make them step-by-step.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep the slices evenly sized to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Make the Syrup
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. This is your flavorful syrup that will coat the sweet potatoes.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet, stirring gently to coat each slice in the syrup. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the potatoes simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to become tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the syrup.
Finish and Serve
When the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened, remove the lid and let them cook for another 5-10 minutes. This will allow the syrup to reduce and fully coat the potatoes. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end for an extra boost of flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, caramelized goodness!

With a total cook time of about 30-35 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare right before serving or can be made ahead for holiday dinners.

Storage Options

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes store well, making them a great choice for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Freeze: If you’d like to make this dish in advance, you can freeze it. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat and keep the syrup from hardening, warm the sweet potatoes in a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra butter, if needed. This helps keep the syrup smooth and glossy.

Variations and Substitutions

There are many ways to customize these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

Add Orange Zest or Juice: A splash of orange juice or a bit of zest adds a citrusy brightness that complements the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes.
Marshmallow Topping: For a classic twist, add mini marshmallows on top. Place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkle with marshmallows, and broil for a few minutes until golden.
Maple Syrup: Substitute part or all of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, slightly earthy flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of allspice or ginger for a deeper, more complex spice profile. You can even sprinkle a bit of cayenne for a subtle heat.
Honey or Molasses: For a unique twist, try adding a drizzle of honey or molasses along with the brown sugar for even more depth and richness.

Enjoy this classic recipe at your next family gathering or holiday dinner. With its buttery, sweet flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are bound to be a favorite for years to come!