Growing up in the South, the smell of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes was comforting. It reminded me of family gatherings and traditions. This dish, with its sweet glaze and tender potatoes, is loved in the South, especially at holidays.
Thinking back, I remember the taste of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. It made every bite special.
I’m excited to share the secrets of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. This recipe is perfect for anyone, whether you’re experienced or new to Southern cooking. It will make you feel the warmth and comfort of the South.
What are Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic Southern side dish. They are not actually “candied yams.” Instead, they are sweet potatoes cooked in a sweet glaze. This makes them caramelized and syrupy, creating a delicious treat.
These sweet potatoes are loved across the country. They are a favorite at holiday meals and cozy dinners.
Decadent Side Dish
The dish’s rich flavor comes from sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet potatoes become soft and tender. They are perfect with roasted meats, baked ham, or holiday main dishes.
Sweet Potato vs. Yam
Even though it’s called “candied yams,” the main ingredient is sweet potatoes, not true yams. True yams come from Africa and Asia. They have a rough skin and white or purple flesh.
Sweet potatoes, from the Americas, have a smooth skin and orange or yellow flesh.
| Sweet Potato | Yam |
|---|---|
| Smooth skin | Rough, brown exterior |
| Orange or yellow flesh | White or purple flesh |
| Native to the Americas | Native to Africa and Asia |
So, while “candied yams” and “candied sweet potatoes” are often mixed up, sweet potatoes are the real stars of this Southern dish.
Easy Candied Sweet Potato Recipe
Making homemade candied sweet potatoes is a breeze and a joy. This easy candied sweet potato recipe brings out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. It’s perfect for a Southern candied sweet potato recipe or a classic holiday dish.
Choosing the right sweet potato is crucial. Beauregard sweet potatoes offer a traditional sweet and creamy taste. Garnet yams add a juicier, sweeter flavor. Jewel sweet potatoes balance the taste, letting other flavors stand out.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes (such as Beauregard, Garnet, or Jewel) | 3 lbs, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 2 tbsp |
| Dark brown sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Mini marshmallows (optional) | 1 cup |
Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes
Key Ingredients
The heart of a tasty Southern candied sweet potato dish lies in its ingredients. These key elements blend together to create a sweet flavor and soft texture. This makes the dish a favorite among many.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the main ingredient. Choose 2 lbs, sliced 1/2 inch thick, for the best texture.
- Butter: Rich butter adds a creamy feel and helps sugars caramelize beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar’s deep flavor, mixed with white sugar, balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- White Sugar: White sugar boosts caramelization, giving a shiny, syrupy finish.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg brings a subtle, earthy flavor that completes the dish.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds to the sweetness and aroma of the candied sweet potatoes.
Optional Toppings
While the basic Southern candied sweet potatoes recipe doesn’t need extra toppings, some like to add a few. These can include:
- Marshmallows: Marshmallows on top, broiled until browned, add a fun texture contrast.
- Chopped Pecans: Chopped pecans on top bring a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
Whether you follow the classic recipe or try these toppings, the secret to candied sweet potatoes is finding the right mix of sweet, savory, and texture.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
To make the perfect Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, start by preparing the sweet potatoes. Peel and slice them into uniform rounds for even cooking. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Then, slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds, making sure they’re all the same thickness.
Next, partially cook the sweet potatoes by briefly boiling them. This step softens the potatoes, helping them soak up the sweet flavors of the candied topping. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes. They should be slightly tender but still firm.
- Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Briefly boil the sliced sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes to partially cook them.
By properly preparing the sweet potatoes, they’ll cook evenly. This ensures they have the perfect texture and flavor in the final candied sweet potato dish.
Creating the Sugar Syrup
The secret to Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes’ irresistible sweetness is the rich, buttery sugar syrup. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, whisk in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Stir the mixture often until the sugars dissolve and the syrup thickens slightly. This process, called caramelization, adds a deep, complex flavor. After it’s ready, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract to boost the aroma and sweetness.
Combining Flavors
The sugar syrup is the heart of the dish. To make a truly Southern Candied Sweet Potato, add a few more ingredients:
- A touch of brown sugar for depth and warmth
- A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for autumnal flavors
- A pinch of salt to bring out the potatoes’ natural sweetness
- A splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavors
By balancing these elements, you’ll get a how to make candied sweet potato syrup that’s both decadent and perfectly sweet.
Baking Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
The secret to perfect baked candied sweet potatoes is a two-step baking method. First, slice the sweet potatoes or yams and mix them with a glaze. This glaze is made from maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This mix boosts the natural sweetness of the yams, letting the sugars caramelize as they bake.
Next, the dish goes into the oven. Here, the oven-roasted candied sweet potatoes become a rich, tender side dish. Baking the sweet potatoes concentrates the sugars, creating a caramelized coating that’s hard to resist.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes or Yams | 3 lbs |
| Maple Syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Dark Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Kosher Salt | 1/4 tsp |
This how long to bake candied sweet potatoes recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare. It cooks for 1 hour. The result is a dish that looks great and tastes amazing. Serve these baked candied sweet potatoes with roasted turkey, sautéed green beans, or mashed potatoes for a full holiday meal.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Holiday Favorite
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a favorite at Thanksgiving and Christmas in the South. They add sweet flavors to savory main dishes. This makes them a beloved part of holiday meals.
This recipe uses about 3 pounds of sweet potatoes for 6 people. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and about 50 minutes to cook. The sweet potatoes are sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds before baking.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 659 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 113g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 23g (Saturated Fat 15g) |
| Cholesterol | 61mg |
| Sodium | 630mg |
| Potassium | 836mg |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 75g |
| Vitamin A | 32902IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 116mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Candied sweet potatoes can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes. You can also add marshmallows, pecans, bourbon, and citrus fruits for extra flavor.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a holiday classic. They bring the warmth and comfort of the South to any table, whether at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Conclusion
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic dish loved by many. They show off the sweet potato’s natural sweetness in a rich, caramelized form. This side dish is a key part of Southern cuisine and a favorite at holiday meals.
It adds warmth, comfort, and a bit of luxury to any table. Whether it’s alongside roasted turkey or ham, or enjoyed alone, it’s a treat for the senses.
The dish’s rich history and changing recipes make it special. It’s a mix of sweetness, spice, and buttery flavors. When paired with roasted meats, it creates a perfect taste experience.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes candied sweet potatoes a convenient side dish for any time.
In short, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a treasured tradition and comfort food. They’re a symbol of traditional Southern cuisine’s lasting appeal. This dish proves that simple, yet exquisite, ingredients can create something truly special.