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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish featuring tender sweet potato slices coated in a rich buttery cinnamon and nutmeg sugar sauce. Slow-cooked in a skillet until caramelized and tender, these sweet potatoes offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

Spice Mixture

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt

Other Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will provide the warm, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor that characterizes the dish.
  2. Melt butter and coat sweet potatoes: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the melted butter.
  3. Add the sugar mixture: Sprinkle the prepared sugar and spice blend evenly over the sweet potatoes in the skillet. Stir gently to mix the sugar mixture with the sweet potatoes and butter.
  4. Cover and reduce heat: Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and reduce the heat to low. This slow cooking allows the sweet potatoes to absorb the flavors and the sugar to caramelize properly.
  5. Cook until candied: Cook the sweet potatoes for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the sauce turns dark and thickens, coating the sweet potatoes with a glossy, candied glaze. The potatoes should be tender in the center but retain a slightly firm texture around the edges.
  6. Finish with vanilla and serve: Stir in the tablespoon of vanilla extract to add depth and aroma to the dish. Serve the candied sweet potatoes warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Use firm but ripe sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the sugar mixture from burning on the bottom of the skillet.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet dish.
  • For extra flavor, a splash of orange juice or zest can be added before cooking.
  • This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/southern-candied-sweet-potatoes-recipe/