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🍠 Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – A Sweet, Buttery Southern Classic

 

All you need for this recipe are a few pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes. The ingredients come together to create a syrupy, spiced glaze that makes every bite sing.

Ingredients

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 pinch salt

  • ½ cup butter

  • 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

  • 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:

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 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

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 60 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Skill Level: Easy

  • Author: niold.com