Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – If you’re looking for a comforting. And rich side dish. This Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe. Is a must-try. Tender sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection. In a sweet blend of butter, sugar. Cinnamon, and nutmeg. With a dash of vanilla. To bring it all together. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread. Or any cozy dinner.
The first time I made this dish. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Because my family. Is usually all about the savory sides. But when I put this on the table. My husband and kids. Couldn’t get enough. They loved how the sweet syrup. Coated the tender potatoes. And it’s been a staple. In our home ever since. Now, every holiday season. My kids ask if we’re having “those sweet potatoes”. And it warms my heart every time. I make them.
What makes this Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes truly special?
This recipe offers a traditional southern dish. That’s incredibly simple to make. But packed with flavor. The balance of sweetness from the sugar. And the warmth. From the cinnamon and nutmeg. Creates a beautiful glaze. That coats the sweet potatoes perfectly. Plus, the vanilla. Adds an extra depth of flavor. That’s hard to resist. Best of all. It requires minimal ingredients. And effort. Making it the ideal comfort food. For any occasion.
What You Need To Make This Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
Sweet Potatoes: Choose large, firm sweet potatoes. With smooth skin for best results. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly. With the candied sauce.
Butter: The butter helps to create a rich. And smooth sauce. That coats the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Sugar: This is the base of the candying process. And it creates the syrupy goodness. That sweetens the dish. You can use brown sugar. For a deeper flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth. And a cozy aroma. Perfect for fall. Or holiday meals.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness to the dish. Enhancing the flavors of the sugar. And spices.
Steps To Make Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes:
Step 1: Prep Potatoes: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. And slicing them. Into rounds about ¼-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. And absorb. All the sweet goodness.
Step 2: Melt Butter: In a large, heavy skillet. Melt the butter. Over medium heat. Once it’s melted. And bubbling. Gently add the sweet potatoes. To the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet Spice Blend: In a small bowl. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. And a pinch of salt. Stir. Until the spices. Are well-distributed. Through the sugar.
Step 4: Coat the Potatoes: Pour the sugar mixture. Over the sweet potatoes. In the skillet. Stirring to ensure. All the slices. Are evenly coated. With the sugary-spice mix.
Step 5: Cook Low. And Slow: Reduce the heat. To low. Cover the skillet. And let the potatoes simmer. For about 1 hour. Stir occasionally. To make sure the potatoes. Cook evenly. And don’t stick. To the bottom. As they cook. The sugar will melt. And form a syrup. Coating the potatoes.
Step 6: Add Vanilla: Just before serving. Stir in the vanilla extract. To finish off the dish. With a lovely sweet fragrance.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the potatoes hot. Drizzled with any extra syrup. From the pan.
Tip:
For the richest flavor. Cook the sweet potatoes low and slow. Allowing the butter and sugar. To form a caramelized syrup. Stir occasionally. To prevent sticking. And ensure even cooking. If you want an extra layer of flavor. Try adding a splash of orange juice. Or a sprinkle of brown sugar. To enhance the sweetness. You can also mix in chopped pecans. For added texture. And crunch. Don’t forget to add the vanilla. Right at the end. To maintain its fragrant aroma. And round out the flavors perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar adds a deeper. More caramel-like flavor. Which can enhance the richness of the dish.
How do I store leftover candied sweet potatoes?
You can store them. In an airtight container. In the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. Or in the microwave.
Can I add marshmallows on top?
Absolutely! If you love a marshmallow topping. You can add them. During the last 5 minutes of baking. For a fun twist. On this classic recipe.
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 large sweet potatoes
- ½ c butter
- 2 c white sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Assemble all the ingredients.
- Peel the sweet potatoes. And slice them. Into 1/4-inch rounds.
- In a large skillet. Over medium heat. Melt the butter. Add the sweet potatoes.
- In a separate bowl. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg. And a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture. Over the sweet potatoes. Stirring to ensure everything. Is well coated.
- Lower the heat. Cover the skillet. And cook. Stirring occasionally. For about 1 hour. Until the sweet potatoes. Become tender. And "candied." The sauce will thicken. And darken. As it cooks.
- Just before serving. Stir in the vanilla. Serve while hot.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
