Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

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Sweet, sticky, and deeply comforting, these Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the side dish dreams are made of. Bathed in a buttery brown sugar glaze with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite is a nostalgic throwback to Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings. The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully in the oven, forming a tender yet lightly crisp edge that contrasts the silky inside.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, cooking up a soul food feast, or just craving something richly satisfying, these candied sweet potatoes deliver Southern comfort in every golden slice. Best of all? They come together with simple pantry staples and hardly any fuss, making them just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as they are for a holiday spread.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Simple ingredients: Uses basic kitchen staples.
• Bold Southern flavor: Buttery, sweet, and warmly spiced.
• Crowd favorite: Perfect for potlucks and holidays.
• Easy to prep: No fancy equipment required.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

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Can I Use Canned Yams for Candied Sweet Potatoes?

While canned yams can work in a pinch, fresh sweet potatoes really take this dish to another level. The natural flavor and texture of fresh-cut sweet potatoes hold up better during baking and allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully. If you do use canned yams, reduce the baking time significantly and skip the initial softening step.

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Ingredients for the Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

This dish keeps it simple but impactful with ingredients that blend sweetness, richness, and spice.

• Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient. Opt for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for even slicing and a soft, buttery interior.
• Butter: Unsalted is best to control the seasoning, and it adds that essential Southern richness.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the potatoes their signature caramel flavor and sticky glaze.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a more direct sweetness to balance the molasses notes of the brown sugar.
• Cinnamon: Brings that cozy, warm spice that’s essential to candied dishes.
• Nutmeg: A touch goes a long way, giving the glaze depth and complexity.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify the other flavors.

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How To Make the Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Mixture

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Let it simmer for a minute or two until it’s thick and syrupy.

Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer or slightly overlapping in a greased baking dish. Pour the warm sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 20-25 minutes, basting once or twice with the syrup from the pan, until the potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized.

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How to Serve and Store Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

This recipe feeds about 6 people as a hearty side dish. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, and spoon that rich syrup over the top for extra indulgence.

To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, spooning some of the syrup back over to revive the glaze.

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What to Serve With Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Roast Chicken

The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with savory, juicy chicken.

Baked Mac and Cheese

For a classic soul food combo, creamy mac and cheese is a no-fail match.

Collard Greens

A great balance of bitter greens with sweet and buttery potatoes.

Cornbread

Southern meals aren’t complete without a warm, crumbly slice of cornbread.

Glazed Ham

A holiday favorite! Sweet on sweet works when textures and flavors are varied.

Fried Pork Chops

Crispy, savory pork chops and syrupy sweet potatoes? Yes, please.

Turkey and Gravy

Especially perfect during Thanksgiving.

Green Beans

Simple and fresh, they add color and crunch to the plate.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love these candied sweet potatoes, you’ll definitely enjoy these other side dishes too:

• Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for cheesy comfort.
• Duchess Potatoes: A Crispy Buttery Delight for an elegant twist.
• Crack Green Beans for a salty-sweet veggie combo.
• Parmesan Garlic Roasted Carrots for earthy richness.
• Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings if you’re into a bolder, spicy side.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cinnamon? Did you sneak in some maple syrup?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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