Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Recipe for Sweet, Spiced Perfection

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a classic side dish, especially popular during the holidays. Their soft, tender texture and rich, sweet flavor, infused with warm spices, make them an irresistible treat. This recipe takes a traditional approach but offers variations and tips for achieving candied sweet potato perfection every time. Get ready to dive into a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Balance:** The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting.
* **Texture Perfection:** Proper cooking techniques ensure the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy, with a beautiful candied coating.
* **Adaptability:** This recipe is easily customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even add nuts or dried fruit for a personalized touch.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Candied sweet potatoes can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable dish:

* **Sweet Potatoes:** The star of the show! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes, preferably of a similar size for even cooking. Jewel yams or garnet yams are excellent choices, offering a vibrant orange color and sweet flavor. About 3 pounds will serve 6-8 people.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish. It adds richness and helps create that delicious candied coating. 1/2 cup (1 stick) is recommended.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar (either light or dark) provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, resulting in a more intense flavor. 3/4 cup is a good starting point; adjust to your preference.
* **Granulated Sugar:** A touch of granulated sugar adds a bit of extra sweetness and helps create a glossy finish. 1/4 cup is sufficient.
* **Water:** Water helps create the syrup that candies the sweet potatoes. 1/4 cup is all you need.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** Cinnamon is a classic spice that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully. 1 teaspoon is a standard amount, but feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** Nutmeg adds warmth and a subtle, nutty flavor. 1/4 teaspoon is a nice touch.
* **Ground Ginger:** Ginger provides a subtle kick and enhances the other spices. 1/4 teaspoon is recommended.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. 1/4 teaspoon is usually enough.
* **Vanilla Extract (Optional):** A splash of vanilla extract adds depth and complexity. 1 teaspoon is a lovely addition.
* **Pecans or Walnuts (Optional):** Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. 1/2 cup is a good amount if you choose to use them.
* **Marshmallows (Optional):** For a classic, extra-sweet touch, top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking.

## Equipment Needed

* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the sweet potatoes with the other ingredients.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Dish:** A standard baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
* **Vegetable Peeler:** To peel the sweet potatoes.
* **Sharp Knife:** For slicing the sweet potatoes.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the best Southern candied sweet potatoes:

**1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Even if you’re peeling them, washing removes any dirt or debris.
* Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove all the skin.
* Slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking. You can also cut them into cubes if you prefer, but rounds are more traditional.

**2. Combine Ingredients:**

* In a large bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
* Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Make sure every slice gets a good coating.

**3. Arrange in Baking Dish:**

* Transfer the sweet potatoes to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer if possible. Overlapping is fine, but avoid overcrowding, as this can hinder even cooking.
* Pour any remaining sauce from the bowl over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.

**4. Bake:**

* Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the sweet potatoes and ensures they become tender.
* Bake for 30 minutes covered.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich, glossy glaze. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your sweet potato slices and your oven.
* If you’re adding pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes during the last 15 minutes of baking.
* If you’re adding marshmallows, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking, or until they are puffed and lightly browned.

**5. Let Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld.
* Serve warm. Candied sweet potatoes are delicious on their own or as a side dish with ham, turkey, or roast chicken.

## Tips for Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes

* **Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes:** As mentioned earlier, Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes are great choices. They have a vibrant color and a naturally sweet flavor.
* **Slice Evenly:** Consistent slice thickness is crucial for even cooking. Use a sharp knife and take your time.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of caramelization. Use a larger baking dish if needed or bake in two batches.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more complex flavor.
* **Baking Time Varies:** Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes as they bake. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the slices. They are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and the sauce is thick and glossy.
* **Don’t Skip the Spices:** The spices are essential for creating that warm, comforting flavor. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices, such as cardamom, cloves, or allspice.
* **Add a Touch of Citrus:** A squeeze of fresh orange juice or lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add a hint of acidity.
* **Use Real Butter:** Don’t substitute margarine or oil for butter. Butter adds a richness and depth of flavor that can’t be replicated.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the sweet potatoes to rest for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute some or all of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more complex and nuanced sweetness.
* **Orange Zest:** Add the zest of one orange to the sweet potato mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Pecans or Walnuts:** Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before adding them to the sweet potatoes for an even richer flavor.
* **Dried Cranberries or Raisins:** Add ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the sweet potato mixture for a chewy, fruity twist.
* **Bourbon or Rum:** A tablespoon or two of bourbon or rum can add a warm, boozy note. Add it to the sauce before baking.
* **Chipotle Powder:** A pinch of chipotle powder can add a subtle smoky heat.
* **Marshmallows:** For a classic, extra-sweet touch, top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Coconut:** Sprinkle shredded coconut over the sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of baking for a tropical twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Holiday Feasts:** Candied sweet potatoes are a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. They complement turkey, ham, and other traditional holiday dishes.
* **Sunday Suppers:** Serve them alongside roast chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf for a comforting Sunday supper.
* **Vegetarian Meals:** They can also be a delicious addition to vegetarian meals, pairing well with lentil soup, vegetable pot pie, or stuffed peppers.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** For a sweet and savory breakfast or brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits.
* **Dessert:** If you’re feeling indulgent, you can even serve candied sweet potatoes as a dessert, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Candied sweet potatoes are a great dish to make ahead of time, especially for holiday gatherings. Here’s how to do it:

* **Prepare Ahead:** You can prepare the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Peel and slice them as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
* **Assemble and Refrigerate:** You can also assemble the entire dish (sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, spices, etc.) in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
* **Bake When Ready:** When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake as directed in the recipe.
* **Reheating:** If you’ve already baked the sweet potatoes, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover candied sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze candied sweet potatoes for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (depending on the amount of sugar and butter used)
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 25-35mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 3-4g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 2-3g

## Conclusion

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a timeless classic for a reason. Their irresistible sweetness, warm spices, and comforting texture make them a beloved side dish for generations. With this recipe and its variations, you’ll be able to create sweet potato perfection every time. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, a Sunday supper, or simply craving a taste of Southern comfort, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious treat! Happy baking!