Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes (Old-Fashioned & Irresistible)

If there’s one side dish that instantly warms my heart, it’s candied sweet potatoes. I still remember my grandmother’s kitchen every Thanksgiving , the scent of caramelized butter and brown sugar filling the air, the glossy orange slices bubbling gently in their syrup. These aren’t just potatoes; they’re pure Southern comfort, made for sharing and savoring.

This version stays true to its roots: tender sweet potatoes slow-baked in a buttery, spiced glaze that caramelizes to perfection. Whether you’re preparing a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday spread, these Southern candied sweet potatoes will win hearts, and probably a few recipe requests too.

Quick Answer: Candied sweet potatoes are baked sweet potato slices coated in a rich glaze of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices. They’re easy, comforting, and can be made ahead of time, perfect for holidays or any family dinner.

What Are Candied Sweet Potatoes and Why They Taste So Good?

Candied sweet potatoes are a Southern classic, often mistaken for candied yams (though true yams are a different root entirely). The magic lies in the glaze: a mix of butter, brown sugar, and spices that turns into a silky caramel coating as it bakes.

This dish balances deep sweetness with buttery richness, creating soft, melt-in-your-mouth slices with a hint of spice. It’s a tradition that dates back generations in Southern kitchens, a humble, budget-friendly dish turned irresistible with a little sugar and a lot of love.

Ingredients You’ll Need (+ Smart Swaps and Tips)

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best candied sweet potatoes:

Pro Tip: Use a mix of maple syrup and brown sugar instead of just one, it creates a thicker glaze that clings beautifully to every slice.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Step-by-Step

This recipe is beautifully simple and requires no special tools, just patience and good ingredients.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds. Arrange them evenly in the baking dish.
3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract (if using), and salt.

1. Coat the potatoes: Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure they’re well covered.
2. Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften.
3. Caramelize uncovered: Remove the foil, baste the potatoes with the hot glaze, and bake for another 10–15 minutes. The glaze should bubble and thicken, coating the potatoes in a shiny caramel layer.

Pro Tip: You’ll know they’re done when the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, and the syrup thickens slightly as it cools.

How Long to Bake Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Bake them for about 50–55 minutes total at 350°F. They’re ready when fork-tender with bubbly, caramelized edges.

Stovetop Version (If You’re Short on Time)

If your oven’s busy with turkey or ham, try the stovetop version. Combine all ingredients in a deep skillet, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze thickens and the potatoes are soft.

Serving Ideas and Perfect Pairings

Serve your candied sweet potatoes hot and glossy, straight from the oven. They’re a show-stopping side for:

• Roast turkey or baked ham
• Fried or roasted chicken
• Smoked meatloaf or easy sloppy joes for a Southern-style dinner.

For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pecans or even a pinch of sea salt before serving.

Flavor Twist Ideas:

• Add a little orange zest or juice to the glaze for a citrus note.
• Mix in chopped apples before baking for natural sweetness.
• Top with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes for a holiday flair, or serve alongside this indulgent brioche French toast casserole for a cozy brunch pairing.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

To make ahead:
Prepare everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate (covered) overnight. When ready to serve, bake as directed, just like prepping maple bacon donuts ahead for your breakfast spread.

To store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for quick enjoyment.

To freeze:
Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Troubleshooting & Flavor Upgrades

Too dry? Add a splash of water or extra butter before reheating.
Too soggy? Ensure your potatoes are in a single layer, crowding traps steam.
Too bland? Add more spice or a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Crystallized glaze? Stir gently mid-bake to help sugar dissolve evenly.

Fun Variations:

• Spiced version: Add ground ginger or allspice for a deeper warmth.
• Healthier twist: Swap butter for coconut oil and reduce sugar slightly.
• Southern indulgence: Add crushed pecans and drizzle a little cream before serving for a praline-style finish.

FAQs About Candied Sweet Potatoes

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but choose those packed in water, not syrup. Drain them well, reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes, and adjust sugar to taste.

What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

In the U.S., most “yams” sold are actually sweet potatoes. True yams have rougher skin and starchier flesh. Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for this recipe.

How can I make this vegan or dairy-free?

Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use pure maple syrup. The flavor stays rich and caramelized, and for more ideas, check out these vegan and gluten-free waffle recipes.

Why did my syrup turn grainy or crystallized?

It likely cooked too hot or fast. Keep baking temperature moderate and stir halfway through to keep sugar dissolved.

Can I add marshmallows on top?

Absolutely! Sprinkle mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking and broil briefly for a golden, gooey topping.

Final Thoughts & Serving Traditions

Every Southern family seems to have their own version of candied sweet potatoes, some stovetop, some baked, some topped with marshmallows or nuts. But one thing’s constant: they bring people together.

The buttery aroma, the sweet caramel glaze, the first tender bite, it’s not just a recipe. It’s a memory, baked and shared from one generation to the next. Save this one for your table; it’s the kind of comfort that never goes out of style.

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Deliciously rich and sweet, these Southern candied sweet potatoes are a comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or Sunday dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Can substitute with dairy-free alternative.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup Can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange sweet potato slices in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes.
2. Remove the foil, baste the potatoes with the glaze, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they are tender and caramelized.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Serve hot; they pair well with roasted meats.