The Very Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

The Very Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are slices of sweet potatoes covered with a buttery brown sugar mixture and cooked until the edges are caramelized. 

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not just for pies and casseroles. For many years, they have graced the tables in the South as a side dish around the holidays.

The sweet potato season is ending here in East Texas, and farmers are getting ready to plant for the next season.

 I had several small sweet potatoes left in my bin, so I decided to make my husband some Southern-candied sweet Potatoes to go with a pot of Purple Hull Peas, a Skillet Fried Okra, and Cornbread.

You know, here in the South, we are known for eating a meal consisting of vegetables only.

These candied sweet potatoes are buttery sweet--almost close to being the dessert to the meal instead of a vegetable.

A sweet lady at the office where I used to work shared a secret with me for making the best Candied Sweet Potatoes.

Sweet Potatoes have a lot of water, so rather than boiling them in water and then candying them, she said to cut them up in large pieces (I cut mine in large steaks), add a stick of butter and a cup of brown sugar, then cover and simmer them on medium-low heat for an hour.

As they simmer, the water from the sweet potatoes is released, causing incredible caramelization with the brown sugar and butter.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE?  TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR SOUTHERN CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Below, under the next heading, I provide a list of preferred ingredients, tips, and cooking instructions for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, as well as similar recipe ideas you can try.

You can also scroll down to the bottom, where you will find a full printable recipe card with the amounts of the ingredients, complete instructions, and notes.

TIPS AND TIDBITS FOR THE BEST CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Sweet Potatoes.  Select the classic sweet potato, which has orange flesh.  They have a higher sugar content and creamier texture.

Slice evenly.  Try to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform steaks, about 1/2 inch thick.  Even slices ensure consistent and even cooking, so some pieces don't become mushy while others remain uncooked.

Stir occasionally.  Gently stir the potatoes every 15-20 minutes as they cook.  This ensures that all the pieces are coated in the rich, caramelized sauce.  The sauce thickens as it cools.

Avoid using canned sweet potatoes.  Canned potatoes are often already cooked and can become mushy if overcooked.

Lighter version.  For a lighter version, you can substitute the butter for 1/2 cup of apple juice and the brown sugar with 1/2 cup of Swerve Brown Sugar.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE SOUTHERN CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes, sliced into steaks

Butter
Brown sugar
Vanilla (optional)

HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Melt butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. 

Add brown sugar and vanilla, and stir until blended. 

Add sweet potatoes.  

Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the sweet potatoes are candied with a thick syrup.  

Stir the sweet potatoes often to coat them with all the liquids from the sweet potatoes, butter, and sugar.   

WHERE YOU MAY SEE THIS RECIPE

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