There's nothing quite like the warm, caramelized flavor of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes wafting through your kitchen. This comforting side dish transforms tender sweet potatoes into a glossy, sticky delight, coated in a rich, buttery syrup infused with cinnamon and nutmeg. It's the perfect accompaniment for holiday feasts or whenever you crave something a little indulgent.

My love for this recipe began during childhood, watching my grandmother work her magic in the kitchen every Thanksgiving. The way she turned humble sweet potatoes into something so decadent was nothing short of mesmerizing. With this recipe, you'll bring that same magic to your table.
Why You'll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Get ready to discover a side dish that’s as mouthwatering as it is memorable. These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are guaranteed to become a favorite, whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or craving some good old-fashioned Southern comfort.
First off, the flavors are irresistible. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes coated in a caramel-like sauce, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, warm, and rich flavors.
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a show-stopping dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, there's minimal prep work – no peeling required if you like a rustic touch, and the sauce comes together effortlessly as the potatoes cook.
The texture is simply divine. As the sweet potatoes bake, they soak up all the caramel sauce, becoming tender yet holding their shape beautifully. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the silky potatoes and the luscious syrup.
Best of all, these candied sweet potatoes are a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prep them in advance and reheat just before serving, saving you time and stress on busy cooking days.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes lies in the combination of simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s what you need to know about each component and how it contributes to the dish's incredible flavor.
Sweet Potatoes are the star of this recipe. Choose firm, unblemished potatoes with a vibrant orange flesh, like Beauregard or Garnet varieties. Their natural sweetness and dense texture hold up well to long cooking and soak up the caramel sauce beautifully.
Brown Sugar creates the deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes this dish so irresistible. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how intense you want the molasses flavor to be. Dark brown sugar gives a richer, more robust taste.
Unsalted Butter adds a luxurious, silky mouthfeel to the sauce. If you only have salted butter, simply adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe. Butter is crucial for that indulgent, glossy finish.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and complexity. Freshly grated nutmeg delivers the best flavor, but pre-ground will work in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference – a little clove or allspice can add an extra festive touch.
Vanilla Extract ties everything together with its fragrant, aromatic sweetness. For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation. A splash of vanilla at the end adds depth to the caramelized sauce.
Optional Ingredients: If you love a touch of citrus, try adding a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice or zest. It brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing twist to the rich syrup.
How To Make These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Making these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is easier than you think, and the results are always spectacular. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly. If you prefer a more rustic presentation, leave the skins on. Otherwise, peel and slice them into thick, even rounds about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the sauce perfectly.
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a large, oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet. You want enough room for the sauce to bubble up around the potatoes, coating every piece with sweet, buttery goodness.
Prepare the caramel sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and the spices – cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth. Finally, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure every slice is coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the sweet potatoes start to soften and soak in the flavors.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, basting the potatoes occasionally with the caramel sauce that pools at the bottom. This step ensures that each slice becomes perfectly tender and caramelized. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides easily into the potatoes, and the sauce is thick and glossy.
Storage Options
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh.
Refrigerate: Let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Freeze: You can also freeze the fully cooked sweet potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
Reheating Tip: For a quick reheat, use the microwave, but keep in mind that the sauce might not be as thick and glossy. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to make these candied sweet potatoes your own.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the potatoes before baking for a delightful crunch. The nuts will toast in the oven, adding a rich, nutty flavor that complements the caramel sauce beautifully.
Citrus Twist: For a brighter, more vibrant flavor, add a tablespoon of orange juice or a teaspoon of orange zest to the caramel sauce. It adds a zesty contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
Bourbon-Infused: For a grown-up twist, add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of bourbon to the sauce. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a warm, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
Less Sweet Option: If you prefer a subtler sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar by a quarter and add a bit more cinnamon for a spicier kick. You can also try using maple syrup in place of some of the sugar for a different depth of flavor.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. However you choose to serve them, these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes will bring a touch of sweet Southern charm to any meal!
PrintThe Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender sweet potatoes caramelized in a rich buttery sugar syrup, making it an irresistible side dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners, these candied sweet potatoes offer a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth with just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolves, forming a smooth syrup.
- Pour the syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes, coating all pieces well.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir gently, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness level by reducing the amount of sugar if desired.
- For a deeper flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light.
- Be careful not to overbake, as the syrup may become too thick or burn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 150mg
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