There's something irresistible about Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes—tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes bathed in a buttery, caramelized syrup with just the right hint of spice. This dish is the epitome of Southern comfort food, and it's a perfect addition to any holiday spread. I was introduced to this recipe at a family gathering and immediately fell in love with the warm flavors and sticky-sweet sauce that coats every slice.

If you’re looking for a dish that brings a little Southern charm to your table, these candied sweet potatoes are exactly what you need.
Why You’ll Love These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Prepare to add a little sweetness to your meal! Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic side dish with rich, caramel flavors and a tender texture that’s impossible to resist.
Easy and Minimal Ingredients: This recipe is simple to make, with only a handful of ingredients like sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and a few spices. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to add a touch of comfort to your meal.
Rich Caramelized Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a luxurious syrup that thickly coats each slice of sweet potato, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a deep caramelized taste.
Perfect Balance of Spices: A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg gives these candied sweet potatoes a cozy warmth, making them ideal for cool-weather occasions. It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and spice in every bite.
A Time-Honored Southern Classic: This recipe has been passed down for generations and is loved for its simplicity and flavor. Southern candied sweet potatoes bring a touch of nostalgia and traditional flavors to any table.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a deliciously sweet, buttery dish.
Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Look for deep orange varieties, like Garnet or Jewel, which have a naturally sweet taste that holds up well to cooking.
Butter: Real butter is essential for the rich flavor in this recipe. As the butter melts and combines with the sugar, it forms a thick syrup that clings to the sweet potatoes. Unsalted butter is ideal, so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor that white sugar just can’t match. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on how rich you want the flavor to be.
Spices: A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth. These spices pair perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the caramel notes of the brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Adding a splash of vanilla towards the end of cooking gives the dish a subtle, fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet or saucepan, a spatula, and about 30 minutes to make this delicious side.
How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Making Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is a straightforward process that delivers incredible flavor. Here’s how to get that perfectly tender, caramelized texture.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch rounds. You want them thick enough to hold their shape as they cook but thin enough to become tender. Set the slices aside while you prepare the caramel mixture.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add the Sugar
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir to combine. The sugar will start to dissolve into the butter, creating a thick, golden-brown syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
Step 3: Add Spices and Sweet Potatoes
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Carefully add the sweet potato slices to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Spoon the syrup over the potatoes, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Step 4: Simmer and Caramelize
Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the sweet potatoes to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally and basting them with the syrup. As they cook, the sweet potatoes will release some of their natural moisture, softening and absorbing the flavors.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Finish
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and gently stir to distribute the flavor. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. The syrup should be thick and caramelized, clinging to the sweet potatoes.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (although they rarely last!), these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes store well and can easily be enjoyed the next day.
In the Refrigerator: Place the cooled sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water to loosen the syrup if needed.
In the Freezer: These sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture may be slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavor remains delicious.
To Reheat: Warm the sweet potatoes on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Cover them with foil to retain moisture, and stir occasionally until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes is classic, but you can add a few twists to make it your own!
Add a Citrus Twist: A splash of orange juice or some orange zest added to the syrup can add a refreshing brightness to the dish. The citrus complements the caramelized sweetness beautifully.
Make it Extra Rich: For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the butter and sugar mixture. This creates a creamier caramel sauce that clings to the sweet potatoes even more.
Add Marshmallows: For a fun twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Once they start to melt and brown, you’ll have a gooey, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the syrupy potatoes.
Try Different Spices: If you like more spice, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth. These spices work beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a light tropical hint that pairs well with the spices and brown sugar.
No matter how you customize it, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a show-stopping addition to any meal. With their rich, buttery flavor and caramelized texture, they’re bound to become a favorite that family and friends request year after year. Enjoy!
PrintThe Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Southern candied sweet potatoes recipe is a classic, featuring tender, buttery slices coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze with warm spices. This holiday favorite is simple to make yet packed with rich flavors, making it the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comfort meal. These candied yams bring a deliciously sweet, melt-in-your-mouth addition to any Southern-inspired spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange sweet potato slices in a baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes, coating evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and the glaze is thickened.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a deeper caramelized flavor. Add vanilla extract if desired, stir, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing the sugar to taste, or add a splash of maple syrup for added depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 80mg
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