As I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of spices wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to my grandmother’s bustling home. Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a beloved classic, a gluten-free side dish that elevates any meal, and they’re oh-so-simple to make. Bathed in a divine cinnamon-sugar glaze that complements their natural sweetness, these tender, buttery rounds embody the essence of comfort food. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile; whether you choose fresh or canned sweet potatoes, you can customize it with delightful twists like maple syrup or the sweetness of mini marshmallows. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these sweet potatoes are sure to delight everyone around the table. What’s your favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes?
Why Choose Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Comforting flavors come together in this delightful dish, making it perfect for family gatherings or Sunday dinners. Easy-to-Make with just a few simple ingredients, even beginner cooks can impress their loved ones. Nostalgic aroma fills your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere akin to cherished family traditions. Add a twist by experimenting with maple syrup or mini marshmallows for a fun, dessert-like variation. And don’t forget to pair these candied beauties with a side of Southern Coleslaw Crunchy for the ultimate feast!
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
• Discover the flavors that make this dish shine!
For the Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and texture; choose fresh for the best flavor or opt for canned (just check for low-sugar options!).
For the Glaze
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the glaze; substitute with vegan margarine for a dairy-free twist.
- Brown Sugar – Infuses sweetness and depth; can easily be swapped with maple syrup for a unique flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Enhances overall sweetness; feel free to omit or reduce if you prefer less sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon – Brings warm spice notes; adjust to your taste or replace with allspice for a different flair.
- Ground Nutmeg – Lends a hint of nutty warmth; optional if you’re out of it.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates flavor; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
- Salt – Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors; don’t skip it!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling and slicing your sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use a sharp knife and cutting board, and place the slices in a bowl of water to prevent browning while you get the other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to fully melt, creating a rich, creamy base for your glaze. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; you want it just bubbly and fragrant, ready to embrace the sweetness of the brown sugar and spices to follow.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
Stir in ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the melted butter. Mix well until the sugars are dissolved and the mixture becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes. The warm aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that the glaze is ready for the sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet, gently stirring to ensure each piece is well-coated in the rich glaze. If your skillet is large enough, arrange the slices in a single layer for even cooking. This will help them absorb the flavors beautifully while allowing the sugars to caramelize perfectly.
Step 5: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes
Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sweet potatoes cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sweet potatoes will soften and absorb the glaze, taking on a beautiful caramelized color as they become tender. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, carefully transfer them to a serving dish, ensuring all that glorious glaze makes it with them. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top for added richness. Serve warm as a delicious side dish that embodies the comfort of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Expert Tips for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
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Uniform Slices: Ensure your sweet potato rounds are of equal thickness to promote even cooking and avoid some parts becoming mushy while others remain firm.
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Butter Quality: Use real unsalted butter for a rich flavor that enhances the glaze; for a dairy-free version, opt for vegan margarine that melts well.
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Pre-Make Option: Feel free to prepare this dish a day ahead. Refrigerate and gently reheat before serving for deeper flavors that everyone will love!
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Sweetness Balance: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar to your taste; you can reduce it or entirely skip if you prefer a less sweet dish.
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Fun Twists: For a delightful dessert version, add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of cooking and broil until slightly golden, creating a sweet finish to your Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes.
Storage Tips for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
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Fridge: Allow leftover Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll last up to 4 days in the refrigerator while retaining their delicious glaze.
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Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the sweet potatoes in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Consider preparing this dish a day in advance. The flavors deepen as they chill in the fridge, making the reheating process a breeze during family gatherings or meal preps!
What to Serve with Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your meal with perfect pairings that balance the sweet and savory notes of this comforting side dish.
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Roast Chicken: Juicy, herb-seasoned roast chicken complements the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that beckons for a forkful of each. The savory meat and candied sweetness blend beautifully on your plate.
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Collard Greens: Sautéed or simmered, collard greens bring a touch of earthy bitterness that contrasts perfectly with the sweet potatoes. The mix of flavors creates harmony—it’s like a Southern hug on a plate!
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Honey-Glazed Ham: The smoky, savory sweetness of ham pairs naturally with candied sweet potatoes, enhancing their rich, caramelized flavor. This duo makes for a classic holiday spread that warms the heart.
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Cornbread: Moist, buttery cornbread takes the table to new levels when served alongside Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. The crumbly texture and slight sweetness complement the richness of the dish beautifully.
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Pecan Pie: For dessert, why not indulge in pecan pie? Its nutty sweetness pairs well with the flavors of the sweet potatoes, leaving you with a comforting end to your meal.
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Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of sweetened iced tea cuts through the richness of the dish. The refreshing notes create a perfect sip to cleanse the palate between bites.
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Green Salad with Citrus Dressing: A crisp salad featuring bright citrus dressing adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness. The acidity plays nicely against the candied potatoes, bringing a lightness to your plate.
Make Ahead Options
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a perfect choice for meal prep! You can slice and soak your sweet potatoes in water up to 24 hours in advance to prevent browning. Additionally, the glaze can be prepared ahead of time; simply combine the butter, sugars, spices, and vanilla, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the glaze in a skillet, add the sweet potato slices, and simmer until tender and caramelized. This method not only saves you time during busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in just as delicious a dish, if not better, when it’s time to serve!
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this delightfully sweet recipe – there are so many ways to personalize it and add your unique touch!
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Maple Syrup: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup to impart a rich, unique flavor. It adds a lovely depth while remaining gluten-free.
Using maple syrup offers a delightful twist; it creates a flavorful glaze that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. -
Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful nutty crunch. This will introduce a lovely texture contrast that pairs wonderfully with the soft sweet potatoes.
Sprinkling them on top just before serving adds an appealing crunch and an earthy flavor! -
Citrus Zest: Brighten the dish with a bit of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing twist. A small amount can lift the flavors and add a lovely aromatic touch.
Citrus zest is a beautiful way to awaken your taste buds, introducing a zing that balances the sweetness perfectly. -
Cinnamon Swap: Experiment with ground ginger or allspice in place of cinnamon for an unexpected flavor. It can provide a different warm profile that still feels cozy.
You may find that ginger adds a delightful zing, making each bite exciting and new! -
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan margarine instead of unsalted butter. It provides richness while staying within dietary restrictions.
Coconut oil brings a subtle flavor that can enhance the overall experience; it’s a great choice to make this dish accessible to everyone! -
Sweet Potato Variety: Mix in different varieties of sweet potatoes, like purple or Japanese sweet potatoes, for a colorful twist and varied flavors. Each brings its own unique sweetness and texture.
This fun color mix creates not only an appealing dish but also a chance to explore new flavors altogether! -
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat that balances all the sweetness. It’s a bold move that many enjoy, bringing a whole new dimension to the dish.
This unexpected warmth can transform your Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes into a dish with a delightful kick! -
Broiled Topping: For a dessert-like experience, add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of cooking and then broil until golden. It gives a toasted sweetness that many love.
This addition creates a beautiful and indulgent finishing touch, perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings.
Feel free to subtly enhance your experience by pairing these candied gems alongside a fresh serving of Southern Coleslaw Crunchy or add them to your plate next to a mouthwatering dish of Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! When choosing sweet potatoes, look for those that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes. Color can vary, but generally, you want smooth, unwrinkled skins. Fresh sweet potatoes should feel heavy for their size, indicating a good moisture content.
What’s the best way to store leftover Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Very! After allowing leftover sweet potatoes to cool completely, transfer them to an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To maintain that delicious glaze, remember to reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.
Can I freeze Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet with a bit of water, ensuring they warm up nicely.
What should I do if my sweet potatoes are cooking unevenly?
No worries at all! If some slices are cooking faster than others, make sure your sweet potato rounds are of uniform thickness. If you notice parts getting mushy, reduce the heat slightly and stir more frequently to ensure even cooking. Covering the skillet helps trap steam and cook them through without them becoming overly soft.
Are Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes safe for my dog or cat?
That’s a great question! While sweet potatoes are safe for dogs in moderation, be cautious with the added sugars and spices in this recipe. It’s best to serve sweet potatoes plain to pets. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure about introducing any new food to your pet’s diet.
What if I’m allergic to nuts or have other dietary restrictions?
I recommend it! For those with nut allergies, the recipe is already nut-free; just ensure you’re using allergy-friendly versions of the ingredients, like dairy-free margarine. Additionally, the recipe is inherently gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: Comfort Food Bliss Awaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and slicing them into uniform ½-inch thick rounds.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the melted butter.
- Coat the sweet potato slices in the glaze in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and simmer the sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer the tender sweet potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle with remaining glaze.
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