Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
What are candied sweet potatoes? Is this name a reference to Thanksgiving dinners at Grandma’s? Brown sugar swirling through the air, and the happy chatter of family gathered around a table piled high. High with food. What are some good side dishes to serve with sweet potatoes? Is it a memory, if not merely ‘a tradition’, it’s sweet heaven? If you like bread pudding, you’re going to love these candied yams!
What is Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, or yams as some folks call them) (though technically they’re often called a ham). What are sweet potatoes? ), are essentially sweet potatoes that have been cooked in a rich, sugary syrup until they’re tender. What are some of the best examples of candy-like glazes? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food side dish – sweet, slightly spiced, and utterly delicious. What is essentially a simple dish elevated by the perfect balance of flavors. What are some of the best side dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways I adore this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor! The sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, and when you add brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg…well, it’s just a symphony of deliciousness in your mouth. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can whip up a batch of these candied sweet potatoes and impress your family and friends. This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. Sweet potatoes are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.
I love the versatility of this device. What are some of the reasons I like it? Is it a holiday staple? I’ve served it alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, and even vegetarian dishes. What do you think of sweet potatoes on top of vanilla ice cream? What is a sweet potato casserole without the marshmallows?
How do I make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Quick Overview
How do you peel and slice sweet potatoes, and cook them in a buttery syrup until they’re golden brown and crispy? What is the best way to make a glaze? How do you cook a caramelized onion low and slow? Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients Notes:
What is the recipe for sweet potatoes?
About 3 pounds of sweet potatoes. You can use the orange-fleshed kind or the lighter yellow ones. I actually prefer a mix of both colors for more interesting color. Make sure they are firm and without bruises.
For the Candy Glaze: For candy glaze:
12 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. This is important. It adds richness and flavor. I always use unsalted so I can control the overall saltiness of the dish.
34 cup of packed light brown sugar. Brown sugar gives it that molasses-y depth that makes it so good.
½ cup of granulated sugar. Balances out the molasses in the brown sugar
12 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This adds warmth and spice. Don’t skip it!
14 teaspoon ground cinnamon. A little goes a long way with nutmeg. It adds subtle nutty flavor.
12 teaspoon of salt. Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
12 cup of water. Helps to create the syrup and keeps the potatoes from drying out. Can you substitute orange juice for a fun flavor twist?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you keep sweet potatoes from sticking? I always give it a generous coating – nobody wants scorched sweet potatoes!
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel sweet potatoes and cut them into 12 inch thick slices. Can you cut them into half-moons? I usually go for rounds because they look prettier in the baking dish. Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
Arrange the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. If you have too many slices to fit in one layer, you can slightly overlap them. I like to make it look pretty, so I arrange them in neat rows.
Step 3: Make the Candy Glaze
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar and salt. If desired, serve hot. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugars are dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Water and Simmer
Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens. Don’t let it boil or it might burn.
Step 5: Pour Glaze Over Sweet Potatoes
How do you pour the syrup over sweet potatoes in a baking dish? Make sure all the slices are coated with the syrup. If necessary, use a spoon to spread the syrup around.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. When the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the foil and bake for another 30-45 minutes. Is the syrup thickened into a glaze? I always check them with a fork to make sure they’re really soft. If the glaze is getting too dark before the sweet potatoes are tender, you can loosely cover them. Is it safe to cook with foil again?
Step 7: Let Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the candied sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. What is the best way to set the glaze? I like to garnish with chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream, but they’re not necessary. What are some of the best foods to eat just as they are
What should I serve it with?
What is a pairing? What are some of the best Southern candied sweet potatoes recipes?
For Thanksgiving or Christmas: What is the difference?What are some good holiday recipes to serve with turkey, ham, stuffing and cranberry sauce? What are some of the best ways to add sweetness to a dish? I can’t imagine a holiday dinner without it!
What is a good weeknight dinner?Serve with roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled salmon. What are some good ways to add veggies to a meal? My kids love it with chicken nuggets (don’t judge!).
As a Dessert:Can candied sweet potatoes be used as a dessert? Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Is it good to sprinkle pecans or walnuts on top for crunch?
For a Brunch:I’ve even served them for brunch alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. Is it a fun addition to supper?
Growing up, my family always had it as a side for Easter alongside ham.
What are some of the best ways to make Southern candied sweet potatoes?
How do you take candied sweet potatoes to the next level?
How do you choose the right sweet potato?What are the best sweet potatoes to eat? Avoid sweet potatoes that are soft or have sprouts. I prefer the orange-fleshed variety because they have a sweeter flavor and smoky color.
How do you cut sweet potatoes evenly?This is important for even cooking. Use a sharp knife to cut sweet potatoes into uniform slices.
Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: You want them to be tender, but not mushy. Check them with a fork after about 30 minutes of baking, and then every 10-15 minutes until they’re done.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. I sometimes add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a little tang!
Add Some Spice: In addition to cinnamon and nutmeg, you can also add other spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with the flavors! You can add orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, or even a splash of bourbon to the syrup.
I tested this with maple syrup instead of brown sugar once, and it was AMAZING. It gave it a deeper, richer flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover candied sweet potatoes (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
To reheat, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven, or heat them up on the stovetop.
Microwave: Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place the sweet potatoes in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a little water or butter to prevent them from sticking.
I actually think they taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it as much as my family does. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s sure to bring a little bit of sunshine to your table. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other side dish recipes for more inspiration! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations!
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 stick unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup has thickened.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
