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

When it comes to classic Southern side dishes, few recipes are as beloved or as nostalgic as Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. Rich with brown sugar and butter, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a touch of vanilla, this dish turns humble sweet potatoes into something close to dessert—but it’s served right alongside your fried chicken or Thanksgiving turkey.

Tender, golden, and caramelized to perfection, these sweet potatoes are the epitome of Southern comfort food. Whether it’s a Sunday supper, a church potluck, or a holiday feast, this dish is sure to steal the show.

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🌿 The Story Behind the Southern Favorite

In many Southern homes, candied sweet potatoes are passed down like heirlooms—a recipe your grandmother cooked every Thanksgiving, the one your mom made for Sunday dinners, and the one you now proudly bring to family gatherings.

Unlike the marshmallow-topped casseroles popular elsewhere, true Southern candied sweet potatoes are made right on the stovetop. There’s no baking required—just slow simmering in a skillet until the sugar syrup darkens and coats the potatoes in a sticky, sweet glaze.

It’s a slow-cooked, simple masterpiece—and it never goes out of style.

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🛒 Ingredients – Sweet Simplicity

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.

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.

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🍳 Directions – Step-by-Step to Perfect Sweet Potatoes

These stovetop candied sweet potatoes take a little time, but the process is easy—and the results are well worth it.

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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.

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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.

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Step 3: Add Sugar Mixture

Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the potatoes and stir again to distribute everything evenly.

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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.

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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.

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🕒 Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Skill Level: Easy

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are best served alongside savory dishes that balance their sweetness.

Perfect Pairings:

• Baked or fried chicken
• Honey-glazed ham
• Roast turkey or chicken
• Pork chops or roast pork
• Collard greens or mustard greens
• Cornbread or biscuits

And yes—you can absolutely serve them on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table next to dressing and cranberry sauce.

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🔁 Recipe Variations

Make this Southern staple your own with these variations:

• Add orange zest for a citrusy kick
• Use brown sugar in place of white sugar for deeper flavor
• Add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up version
• Top with chopped pecans during the last 5 minutes for a crunchy finish
• Maple syrup can replace part of the sugar for a unique twist

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

These sweet potatoes are just as good the next day—and maybe even better!

Store:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:

• Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to recoat the potatoes in their syrup. You can also microwave in short intervals.

Freeze:

• Not recommended. The texture of sweet potatoes can become grainy after thawing.

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❤️ Why This Recipe Works

• Authentic flavor with simple pantry ingredients
• No baking – all on the stovetop
• Rich and buttery without being cloying
• Spiced to perfection with cinnamon and nutmeg
• Great for holidays or as a weeknight side

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a nostalgic taste of Southern tradition, these candied sweet potatoes never disappoint.

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💬 Reader Reviews

“This is just like my grandma used to make! I hadn’t tasted sweet potatoes this good in years.”
– Tammy R.

“I added a dash of orange juice and it took it to another level. So good and so easy!”
– Lisa D.

“My kids asked for seconds! This will be on our Thanksgiving table forever.”
– Janelle W.

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📌 Final Thoughts: A Southern Tradition Worth Keeping

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a memory on a plate. With every bite, you taste a little history, a little hospitality, and a whole lot of heart.

So whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a seasoned home cook looking to recreate a family favorite, this recipe delivers classic flavor and soul-soothing comfort every single time.

Cook it slow. Serve it warm. Watch it disappear.

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