Description
Treat your taste buds to the best Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes—a classic comfort food side that’s quick to prepare, perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, and loved by everyone. These tender sweet potatoes are cooked in a luscious, buttery brown sugar glaze with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, making them an irresistible option for any meal. Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday suppers, and ideal for anyone looking for easy recipe ideas, quick sides, or classic Southern food ideas.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine and cook until mixture is bubbly.
4. Add sweet potato slices, tossing to coat evenly in the syrup.
5. Cover and cook on medium-low, stirring gently every 10 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender and glazed (about 30–40 minutes).
6. Stir in vanilla extract just before serving.
7. Transfer to a serving dish and spoon syrup over potatoes. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture—avoid canned if possible.
Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent the syrup from burning.
For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 127mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
Keywords: candied sweet potatoes, Southern, easy recipe, Thanksgiving sides, sweet potatoes, holiday side, comfort food