Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

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Sweet, buttery, and kissed with warm spices, Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the soul of a comforting Southern meal. These glossy, caramelized slices are made with simple pantry staples, yet they pack a flavor that tastes like they’ve been simmering in tradition for generations. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these sweet potatoes hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

What makes this dish a standout is how effortlessly it transforms humble sweet potatoes into a tender, syrupy side that everyone grabs seconds of. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture soaked in a buttery brown sugar glaze, rich with cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s that little bit of soul food magic that brings people together around the table.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, you won’t need anything fancy, but the right tools can make a big difference in texture and ease:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll want a clean, smooth cut through your sweet potatoes. A sharp knife ensures even slices, which means they cook uniformly.
• Vegetable Peeler: Removing the skins quickly and efficiently sets you up for smooth, tender slices.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan (preferably non-stick): This is where all the magic happens. A wide skillet gives the potatoes enough room to simmer in the syrupy glaze without overcrowding.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Gentle stirring helps coat each slice in that buttery-sugar mixture without breaking them apart.
• Lid for the Pan: Trapping in the steam allows the sweet potatoes to soften more quickly and evenly.

Having these tools ready ensures your cooking process is smooth, controlled, and flavorful from start to finish.

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Ingredients for the Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in achieving that signature Southern flavor and silky texture:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show. Naturally sweet and starchy, they soften beautifully and soak up the syrupy glaze.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the glaze and ensures the potatoes don’t stick to the pan.
• Brown Sugar: The depth of molasses in brown sugar creates a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps thicken the glaze and adds another layer of sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy, spiced profile.
• Ground Nutmeg: A little goes a long way in delivering that classic Southern aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of warmth and complexity.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

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How To Make the Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

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

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Glaze

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture becomes a thick, glossy syrup.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Potatoes

Place the sweet potato slices in the skillet in a single layer if possible. Spoon some of the glaze over them to coat evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Cover

Cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the sweet potatoes simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. They should be tender and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Thicken and Caramelize

Remove the lid and let them cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve straight from the skillet while hot and glossy. Perfect as a side dish for holiday feasts or weeknight soul food dinners.

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Serving and Storing Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

These candied sweet potatoes are best served warm, right out of the skillet when they’re glossy and syrupy. They make a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving table, Sunday dinner, or potluck buffet. Pair them with roasted meats, fried chicken, or even baked ham for a true Southern feast.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or melted butter to revive the glaze. These reheat beautifully, often tasting even richer the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?

Look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (sometimes labeled as yams in grocery stores). They’re naturally sweet and hold up well during simmering.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh is definitely best for texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned—just drain them well and reduce the simmering time, as they’re already soft.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

Why are my sweet potatoes falling apart?

Overcooking or stirring too vigorously can cause them to break down. Make sure to simmer gently and stir gently to keep them intact.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate a double batch and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.

What should I do if the glaze is too thick?

Add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the glaze while reheating or cooking.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas with Southern Charm?

If you’re all about classic comfort with a flavorful twist, here are some more side dishes you’ll love from Life With Olivia:

• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes for a creamy, crispy potato fix.
• Scalloped Corn Casserole that’s buttery, sweet, and made for potlucks.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn to bring sweetness and richness to your plate.
• Tennessee Onions when you’re craving something cheesy and oven-baked.

For even more daily recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards at Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so it’s right there next time you need a Southern staple that’s sweet and soulful.

Have you made this with a splash of bourbon or tried maple syrup instead of sugar? I’d love to know what twist you’ve added. Share your version in the comments or ask any questions—let’s cook up something wonderful together!

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