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When it comes to Southern cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. These delightful treats combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery glaze, making them the ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of home cooking and family gatherings, this recipe is undeniably a winner!
Can you smell the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen? Imagine gathering with your loved ones around the table, faces lighting up at the sight of these golden, caramelized sweet potatoes. It’s hard to resist such a warm and inviting dish, isn’t it? Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner. Their unique blend of flavors and easy preparation makes them a staple in Southern households.
Key Benefits of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
When you choose to make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, you’re not only treating yourself to a delicious side dish; you’re also enjoying a variety of benefits that come with this recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for cooking novices.
- Flavorful: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and spices transforms sweet potatoes into a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthier choice compared to many holiday sides.
- Versatile: Suitable for many occasions, from Thanksgiving to family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, spices, or add fun ingredients to suit your taste.
What makes it stand out
What truly sets Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes apart is their rich history and the way they capture the essence of Southern hospitality. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a tradition passed down through generations, embodying the warmth and love found in family kitchens. Each bite tells a story of gathering around the table to savor moments that matter.
Seasonal appeal is another hallmark of this dish. The enticing aroma of sweet potatoes baking in the oven brings a cozy feeling, making it the perfect dish for fall and winter. You can even customize it for holidays by adding a sprinkle of festive spices or toppings like marshmallows or nuts to make it even more special.
Ingredients for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Creating mouthwatering Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes requires a short list of ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s everything you’ll need for this scrumptious recipe.
Complete ingredient list with measurements
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutes and alternatives
If you have dietary preferences or allergies, don’t worry! Here are some great alternatives:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Replace it with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to swap out spices; allspice, ginger, or even a dash of cardamom can add a unique twist.
How to Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – Step-by-Step Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as it sets the stage for caramelizing those sweet potatoes just right.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds, about a quarter inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and a great texture. Don’t forget to sample a slice—these sweet potatoes are naturally delicious!
Step 3: Create the glaze
In a large pot, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Coat the sweet potatoes
Once the glaze is bubbling, turn the heat down and add the sliced sweet potatoes. Gently stir to coat each piece in that delicious, syrupy glaze.
Step 5: Transfer to baking dish
Carefully place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish, pouring any remaining glaze over the top. You want these potatoes to soak up all that flavor!
Step 6: Cover and bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap steam, allowing the sweet potatoes to cook wonderfully. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 7: Uncover and continue baking
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake the sweet potatoes for an additional 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze. The goal here is to get them tender and allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize beautifully.
Step 8: Add the finishing touch
When the sweet potatoes are tender and starting to brown, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract before serving. This final touch adds depth to the flavor, making it even more irresistible.
Step 9: Serve warm
Plate your Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes warm and enjoy them with your favorite dishes. Their sweetness is the perfect complement to savory meals.
Step 10: Enjoy the experience!
Gather your family or friends, and take a moment to savor not just the dish, but the time spent together. Don’t forget to ask for compliments—trust me, they will come!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish; they can elevate any meal and be the star of your dinner table. Here are the best occasions to serve this dish.
Best occasions to serve this dish
- Thanksgiving and Christmas: A must-have at holiday feasts, where they perfectly complement turkey and ham.
- Family Gatherings: Serve them during family reunions or potlucks for a touch of Southern tradition.
- Cookouts and BBQs: They make a sweet addition to summer cookouts, balancing out savory grilled dishes.
What to serve with it
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your sweet potatoes with:
- Grilled chicken or turkey
- Baked ham
- Collard greens
- Green bean casserole
- Homemade cornbread
- Sweetened iced tea or lemonade
Storing Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Properly
Leftovers? Yes, please! Knowing how to store them properly will help you enjoy those Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes even longer.
Best storage practices
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll last for about 3 to 5 days.
- Freezer: While sweet potatoes can be frozen, the texture may change after thawing. If you decide to freeze, they can last up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating and freezing tips
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Freezing: For better quality, freeze individual portions. When reheating frozen sweet potatoes, place them directly in the oven without thawing to preserve texture.
Tips & Tricks for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking: Avoid cooking the sweet potatoes too long; they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them towards the end.
- Not using a baking dish: Cooking them in a shallow dish may cause uneven cooking. Choose a deeper dish to allow for proper layering of glaze.
- Skipping basting: Basting is key for even flavor distribution; don’t skip this step!
Extra tips for better results
- Use fresh spices: Fresh ground spices elevate the flavor. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them yourself.
- Add nuts for crunch: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful texture contrast.
- Try different sweeteners: Experiment with honey or maple syrup to see which flavor suits your taste best.
Recipe Variations of Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
If you love the base recipe, you might want to try some creative variations to keep things interesting.
Creative twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling toasted coconut on top adds a wonderful tropical twist.
- Marshmallow Topping: During the last few minutes of baking, add mini marshmallows on top for a classic dessert-like flavor.
Dietary adjustments
- Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and ensure your sugar is unrefined.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
- Dairy-Free: As mentioned, substituting butter keeps this dish dairy-free.
Conclusion about Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
In summary, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are not just a dish; they’re a celebration of Southern cooking that brings families together. With their delightful sweetness and rich flavors, they can brighten any meal. Whether you’re serving them during a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple recipe, and create your comforting dish filled with heart and soul. Feel free to share this delightful recipe with friends and family so they can enjoy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes as well!
FAQs about Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
What if it doesn’t turn out right?
If your sweet potatoes are mushy or undercooked, the texture can often be fixed by adjusting the cooking time. Make sure to keep an eye on them while baking.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What are the best ingredient substitutions?
Feel free to customize your sweet potatoes, as mentioned earlier. Coconut sugar, vegetable oil, or different spices can easily replace some ingredients.
How long can it be stored?
In the fridge, Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes will last up to 5 days, while they can remain in the freezer for 3 months.
Can I use store-bought dough or crust?
This recipe doesn’t utilize dough or crust, but for recipe variations, you can create a sweet potato pie with pre-made crust.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the sweet flavor, and it can be a fun dish to include in family meals.
Can I make it allergen-free?
Yes, simply swap out allergens such as butter for a dairy-free alternative, and ensure your sweetener is suitable for those with specific dietary needs.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Skillet or Baking Dish
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 6 medium Sweet Potatoes peeled and sliced ~¼ to ½ inch thick
- 8 tablespoons Butter or salted butter
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon optional
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C), or plan to use a large skillet for stovetop version.
- Peel sweet potatoes and slice into rounds about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
- In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and water, stirring until combined.
- Add the sweet potato slices, stirring gently to coat them in butter-sugar mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for ~1 hour (stirring occasionally), until potatoes are tender and glazed at edges.
- Remove cover, stir in vanilla extract, and bake or broil (if using oven) until glaze thickens and caramelizes.
- Let dish cool slightly so glaze sets before serving.