Pin it
These old-fashioned Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes turn simple root veggies into a decadent side that feels like eating dessert but still counts toward your veggie intake. The sweet potatoes slowly simmer in a buttery syrup until they're melt-in-your-mouth soft, with edges that turn into a beautiful golden-brown glaze.
I learned the clever trick of adding just a tiny bit of salt to the sweet mixture from my grandma's handwritten recipe - it's the little secret that makes all those sweet and spicy flavors blend together wonderfully.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for solid, orange ones that are roughly the same size
- Brown Sugar: The dark version gives you stronger, richer flavor
- Butter: Don't swap this out - only the real thing works here
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground delivers the best taste
- Nutmeg: Just a small amount changes everything
- Vanilla Extract: Use real vanilla for the best background flavor
Pin it
Easy Cooking Method
- Sweet Potato Preparation (20 minutes):
- Scrub and remove skins carefully. Slice into even 1/2-inch circles. Soak in cold water while you work. Briefly boil until just starting to soften. Drain thoroughly before the next step.
- Syrup Creation (10 minutes):
- Gently melt butter in a sturdy pot. Mix in sugars bit by bit. Keep stirring until they've melted completely. Mix in spices and vanilla. Cook until it starts to thicken up.
- Assembly Process (5 minutes):
- Put potato slices in your baking dish. Drizzle warm syrup over each row. Make sure every piece gets coated. Cover with aluminum foil to start.
- Baking to Perfection (45-60 minutes):
- Begin at 375°F with the dish covered. Take off foil midway through. Spoon syrup over potatoes now and then. Cook until soft and shiny.
My favorite memory of this dish is watching my mom carefully place each potato slice in her favorite baking dish, always saying that food looks better tastes better too. She wasn't wrong - how it looks really does matter.
Final Thoughts: These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes aren't just a side dish - they're a tribute to Southern cooking traditions that add comfort and warmth to any holiday meal. The way simple butter and sugar can change ordinary sweet potatoes into something special shows that the most unforgettable dishes often come from basic ingredients treated with love and a bit of patience.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish early?
- Sure, make it the day before, chill in the fridge, and rewarm in the oven before serving.
- → Is there a difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
- Most 'yams' in US stores are really sweet potatoes. Real yams are starchier with a less sweet taste.
- → Why boil the sweet potatoes first?
- It softens them evenly and helps soak up the syrup without falling apart.
- → Is it possible to use less sugar?
- Yes, but cutting sugar will lower sweetness and affect the candy-like glaze.
- → How can I tell when the dish is ready?
- The yams should feel soft when poked with a fork, and the syrup should be thick with a shiny finish. Total bake time is about 25-30 minutes.