Indulge in a Southern classic with these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes—a side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Tender sweet potatoes are enveloped in a luscious, buttery cinnamon-nutmeg syrup, making them a perfect accompaniment for holiday feasts or special family dinners.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup butter
6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes, stirring to coat them evenly with the melted butter.
Add the Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the prepared sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes. Stir to ensure the potatoes are well coated with the mixture.
Simmer and Cook: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and darken, while the sweet potatoes become tender with slightly crisp edges.
Finish and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and coated in a rich, candied syrup, stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm for a delightful treat.
Serving Tips:
Perfect Pairing: Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes pair beautifully with savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. The sweet and buttery flavors complement hearty meats and traditional holiday dishes.
Garnishing Options: For added texture and flavor, top the candied sweet potatoes with toasted pecans or a sprinkle of marshmallows. If desired, add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Serve Warm: These sweet potatoes taste best when served warm. Prepare them close to mealtime to ensure they’re at their richest and most flavorful. If you’re serving them as part of a larger holiday meal, you can reheat them gently before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the sweet potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these sweet potatoes in advance. Cook them fully, store them in the refrigerator, and then reheat them just before serving. This makes them an ideal dish for busy holiday preparations.
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FAQs:
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute yams for sweet potatoes in this recipe. While yams are slightly starchier and less sweet, the cooking process and sugar mixture will still result in a delicious, candied dish. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit different, but both options work well.
Can I make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Simply prepare the candied sweet potatoes as instructed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. They’ll retain their flavor and tenderness.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming too mushy?
To avoid mushy sweet potatoes, be sure not to overcook them. The heat should be kept low, and stirring occasionally will help ensure they cook evenly without becoming too soft. If you prefer slightly firmer potatoes, you can reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet version. Cutting the sugar by half or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can still create a deliciously sweet glaze, though the flavor and consistency may differ slightly.
Conclusion:
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, making them a must-try for your next gathering or holiday celebration. Their sweet, buttery flavor and festive appeal are sure to make them a favorite at any meal. Enjoy this delectable side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are tender, caramelized, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-nutmeg syrup. A classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for holiday meals, it’s a must-try recipe for lovers of sweet, comforting flavors. Perfectly sweetened and seasoned, these candied sweet potatoes will be the highlight of your dinner table.
Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup butter
6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add peeled and sliced sweet potatoes, stirring to coat them in the butter.
- Add the Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer and Cook: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the potatoes become tender with crisp edges.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in vanilla extract, and serve the candied sweet potatoes warm.
Notes
For added texture, consider topping the sweet potatoes with toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
To avoid overly mushy sweet potatoes, check for doneness after 45 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 330 kcal
Keywords: Southern candied sweet potatoes, candied sweet potatoes recipe, sweet potato side dish, holiday side dish, Southern cooking, classic sweet potatoes, buttered sweet potatoes
