There's nothing like the warm, caramelized sweetness of Southern candied sweet potatoes to bring a comforting, nostalgic feel to your table. Tender slices of sweet potatoes, cooked to perfection in a buttery, spiced glaze, make this dish an irresistible classic.
I first learned this recipe from my grandmother, who made it for every holiday gathering. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg always signaled the beginning of a special meal, and now I love recreating it for my own family. Ready to transform your kitchen with these fragrant, golden-brown sweet potatoes?
Why You'll Love This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this timeless dish. Whether you're preparing it for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or a comforting weekday treat, these sweet potatoes are guaranteed to impress.
First, the flavor is unmatched. The buttery glaze is infused with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
This recipe is delightfully simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes, you can create a side dish that looks and tastes like it took hours of effort.
It's also a crowd-pleaser. From kids to adults, everyone loves the tender texture and caramelized coating. Pair it with savory dishes, and you have the perfect contrast of flavors.
Lastly, it's versatile. You can tweak the recipe with your favorite spices or even a splash of vanilla to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the sweet, buttery perfection.
Sweet potatoes are the star of the dish. Look for medium-sized, firm potatoes with smooth skin. These are easier to peel and slice, and their natural sweetness shines through.
Butter provides richness and helps create the luscious glaze. Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the seasoning, but salted butter works in a pinch.
Brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes to the glaze. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how rich you want the flavor to be.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and complexity. Freshly grated nutmeg is particularly aromatic if you have it on hand, but pre-ground works beautifully too.
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip this small yet essential ingredient!
For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet or baking dish, depending on your cooking method preference. Both work equally well.
How To Make This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Creating this comforting dish is surprisingly easy. Let’s walk through the steps to make sure your sweet potatoes turn out perfect every time.
Start by peeling and slicing your sweet potatoes into even rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures they cook evenly and soak up the glaze.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Allow the mixture to cook for a minute or two until the sugar dissolves and forms a smooth glaze.
Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet, arranging them in an even layer. Gently spoon the glaze over the top, making sure each piece is coated.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the sweet potatoes simmer for about 30 minutes, occasionally basting them with the glaze. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork.
For a slightly caramelized finish, transfer the sweet potatoes and glaze to a baking dish and broil them for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve warm, spooning the glossy glaze over the potatoes just before serving. They’ll look as good as they taste!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), these candied sweet potatoes store beautifully. Let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
In the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix.
For longer storage, freeze the sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own.
For an extra indulgent touch, add a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze. It enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note.
If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before serving. They add a lovely texture and nutty flavor.
Looking for a deeper flavor profile? Try swapping some of the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey. Both add natural sweetness and a unique twist.
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The result will be slightly different but still delicious.
Finally, you can experiment with spices. Allspice or ginger make excellent additions for a more complex flavor.
With just a few tweaks, this classic dish becomes a versatile side you can tailor to any meal or occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy every buttery, caramelized bite!
PrintThe Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender sweet potatoes coated in a sweet and buttery glaze, this classic Southern dish is a must-have for holidays or any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture forms a syrup.
- Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated in the syrup.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of pecans before serving.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer it less sweet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 60mg
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