Ingredients
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
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2 cups white sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 pinch salt
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½ cup butter
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6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
📝 Note: You can substitute brown sugar for some of the white sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Spices
In a small bowl, mix together:
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2 cups white sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 pinch of salt
Set aside. This aromatic blend will later coat the potatoes and form the candied glaze.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
In a large skillet, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced sweet potatoes and stir well to coat each slice in butter.
Step 3: Add Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the potatoes and stir again to distribute everything evenly.
Step 4: Slow Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sweet potatoes simmer slowly for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
🍠 Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking the slices. They should cook until the sauce is thick, syrupy, and dark in color. The potatoes should be fork-tender, but still hold their shape, with slightly firm edges.
Step 5: Add Vanilla & Serve
Once the sauce has candied and the potatoes are tender, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to finish.
Serve warm straight from the skillet, spooning the syrupy glaze over each helping.
Notes
🕒 Recipe Summary
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 60 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
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Skill Level: Easy