Grandmas Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes But Better

By SandraSeptember 13, 2025

Craving unforgettable Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes This easy recipe elevates a classic with a buttery caramel sauce and warm spices Perfect Southern comfort food Get the recipe ... Seasonal Favorites

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Ever wonder what makes holiday dinners unforgettable? Maybe it's the Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes . These sweet, buttery spuds are straight-up delicious.

You know? They taste like dessert, but they’re totally a side dish!

Sweet Potato Nirvana

This Southern Cooking staple is a hug in a bowl. Think sweet potatoes swimming in a brown sugar and butter bath. Seriously, what's not to love?

Grandma’s Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes (But Better!)

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes have roots deep in Southern culture. It's a dish passed down through generations. This easy recipe takes about 45 minutes. It serves 6 lucky folks.

Why You Need This in Your Life

Honestly, besides tasting like heaven, sweet potatoes are good for you! They're packed with Vitamin A. Plus, these Caramelized Sweet Potatoes are the perfect Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipe .

They are a delightful addition to any holiday table. These spuds are special because of the rich, caramel-like sauce!

Time to gather your ingredients. It’s easier than you think! Grab your sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and a few spices like cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg and cloves. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Alright, y'all ready to whip up some seriously good Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes ? Let's talk about what you'll need.

I promise, it's not rocket science. This recipe is straight from my grandma's kitchen. (well, kinda. I tweaked it a bit!).

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish

Sweet Potatoes : 2 ½ pounds (approx. 1.1 kg), peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces. Seriously, make sure they are all about the same size! It helps them cook evenly. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin. No sprouts allowed!
Butter : ½ cup (113g) unsalted, cut into pieces. Good butter makes all the difference, folks!
Brown Sugar : ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar. This is what gives that deep, molasses-y flavour.
Granulated Sugar : ½ cup (120ml). We need the right level of sweetness
Spices : ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground Ground Nutmeg , and just a pinch – ⅛ teaspoon – of ground cloves. The nutmeg is what brings all the spices together!
Salt : ¼ teaspoon . A little salt enhances the sweetness.
Water : ¼ cup (60ml).
Vanilla Extract : 1 teaspoon . Adds that final touch of magic.

Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right!

For essential spice combinations, the cinnamon and nutmeg are non-negotiable. Honestly, they are what gives these Candied Sweet Potatoes that warm, comforting vibe.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of ginger powder can add a nice kick.

Don't have all the individual spices? Pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute. Just use about 1 teaspoon. As for flavour enhancers, a tablespoon of bourbon. I mean it.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this recipe. Here's the bare minimum:

A large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. This is where the magic happens.
Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those measurements right!
A potato peeler. Obviously.
A wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring and scraping up all that delicious caramel.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, deep skillet will work just fine. As long as it has a lid! Ready to make your own sweet Potato Dishes ? I know you are!

Grandmas Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes But Better presentation

Cooking Method: Candied Bliss – The Southern Way

Forget boring boiled spuds! We're talking Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes , y'all. This recipe elevates the humble sweet potato to a whole new level.

Honestly, it is the perfect side dish and also delicious Southern Comfort Food Recipes ! We're diving into a cooking method that's part science, part art, and all Southern charm.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, the mise en place – that's fancy talk for "get your stuff ready". Peel about 2 ½ pounds of sweet potatoes and chop them into 1-inch cubes .

Aim for consistent sizes! This ensures even cooking. Next, grab your ½ cup of butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of white sugar, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), salt, water, and vanilla.

Having everything measured and ready is a huge time-saver.

Safety note : When melting butter and sugar, be super careful of hot splatters. Ask me, it stings!

Step-by-Step to Sweet Potato Perfection

Follow these super easy steps.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg , cloves and salt.
Stir everything until the sugar dissolves and the mix is smooth.
Pour in the ¼ cup of water and simmer.
Gently add those sweet potato cubes! Make sure they're mostly covered in that glorious caramel sauce.
Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat for 20- 25 minutes . Stir occasionally, until tender.
If the sauce needs thickening, remove the lid for the last few minutes. Watch like a hawk to avoid burning the sugar.
Take off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Pro Tips from Your Pal

Listen up, 'cause this is where it gets good! For super flavour, try using a pinch of sea salt. Also, be careful not to overcook.

Mushy Candied Sweet Potatoes are no one's friend. One thing that helps: If your Easy Sweet Potato Side Dish is getting too thick, add water.

A tablespoon at a time! And my secret? A tiny splash of bourbon – but that's just between us. Enjoy this amazing Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipe !

Alright, let's talk about making these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes even better ! Here are some extra tips to make sure you knock everyone's socks off.

I learned a few things over the years making this dish.

Recipe Notes: Tweaks and Tricks for Sweet Potato Perfection

Serving it Up! Plating and Presentation Ideas

These Candied Sweet Potatoes deserve to look as good as they taste. I love serving them in a pretty bowl.

Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Fresh herbs add a pop of colour. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts! For a real showstopper, try individual ramekins.

This makes it look fancy. Serve with some ham or roasted chicken. A classic combo!

Storage: Keeping the Sweetness Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes keep well. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, microwave them gently. Alternatively, warm them up in a skillet. A splash of water will prevent them from drying out.

I've even frozen them before! Just thaw overnight and reheat. They might be slightly softer, but still delicious.

Variations: Spice it Up or Keep it Simple

Want to mix things up a bit? No problem! Use coconut oil. Replace sugar with maple syrup. Bam! Vegan-friendly Sweet Potato Casserole .

For extra depth, add a tablespoon of bourbon. This is only for the grown-ups, of course! A pinch of cayenne pepper? That's right! A little heat adds a surprising twist.

I've used pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove spices. What you do with it is your own business.

Nutrition: A Little Bit of Goodness

Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly a salad. However, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes do have some redeeming qualities. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A.

It is great for your eyesight. There's also fiber, which is great for your gut. Just remember, moderation is key! Each serving has roughly 350 calories .

Sugar is about 35g .

So, there you have it! Everything you need to make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes like a pro. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

The most important ingredient is love! Now, go forth and make some magic in the kitchen. This is gonna make some awesome Southern Comfort Food Recipes and Potato Dishes ! You got this! Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipe time is coming!

Delicious Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes My Family Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes from being mushy?

The key is to cook them low and slow and keep a close eye on them! Aim for a medium-low heat and test for doneness with a fork after about 20 minutes. You want them tender, but not falling apart like a soggy biscuit. If they start to soften too quickly, reduce the heat further or even remove them from the heat for a few minutes.

Can I make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

You betcha! These are great for making ahead. Prepare them completely, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making them even tastier!

What if my caramel sauce for the candied sweet potatoes is too thick?

No worries, it happens! If the sauce gets too thick while cooking your Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, simply add a tablespoon of water at a time, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?

While brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor and caramel-like notes, you can substitute with granulated sugar in a pinch. For best results, try adding a tablespoon of molasses to the granulated sugar to mimic the flavour of brown sugar.

Are Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes actually good for you?

Let's be honest, they're a treat! Sweet potatoes themselves are packed with vitamins and fiber, which is fantastic. However, the added butter and sugar do increase the calorie count. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can always try to lighten them up by reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute.