Indulge in the rich and comforting taste of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, a traditional dish that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent side. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, enhanced with a glossy, spiced syrup that’s absolutely irresistible.
Sweet, Spicy, and Everything Nice
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are not just delicious—they’re a piece of culinary artistry that brings warmth to any table. With their soft texture and caramel-like coating, these sweet potatoes are a staple in Southern cuisine, loved for their simplicity and depth of flavor.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Even Slices: Ensure the sweet potatoes are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Low and Slow: Cook the sugar and butter mixture over medium heat to avoid burning the sugars. Patience here is key to developing the perfect syrup.
- Full Coverage: When pouring the syrup, take the time to ensure every slice of sweet potato is well-coated. This guarantees that each bite is as flavorful as the next.
- Foil is Your Friend: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking helps steam the potatoes, making them tender before they caramelize.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 65 minutes
- Serving: 6 servings
- Equipment: Baking dish, saucepan, aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large baking dish.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine both sugars, butter, and water. Stir until the butter melts and sugars dissolve. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Coat Potatoes: Evenly pour the syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all are coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until tender and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, spooning extra syrup over the sweet potatoes.
A Holiday Favorite or Anytime Treat
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are sure to captivate anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for traditional comfort foods. Serve them up during the holidays or as a special side to make any meal a celebration.
