Southern candied sweet potatoes are a beloved classic in Southern cuisine. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a caramel-like syrup, resulting in a sweet and tender side dish that’s perfect for holidays or any special meal. Here’s a recipe to make delicious Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 to 5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds or chunks
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds or chunks, depending on your preference. Make sure the pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.
3. Make the Candied Syrup:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
4. Add Sugar and Water:
- Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water to the melted butter. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a Boil:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. Reduce Heat and Simmer:
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly.
7. Add Flavorings:
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
8. Layer the Sweet Potatoes:
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
9. Pour the Syrup:
- Pour the hot candied syrup mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
10. Bake: – Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
11. Bake and Uncover: – Bake for about 45 minutes, covered, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
12. Baste: – Occasionally, during the baking process, baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup from the bottom of the dish to ensure even coating.
13. Serve: – Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup is thick and caramelized, remove them from the oven.
14. Rest and Serve: – Allow the candied sweet potatoes to cool slightly before serving. This will give the syrup a chance to thicken further.
15. Enjoy: – Serve the Southern candied sweet potatoes as a delightful side dish. They pair perfectly with roasted meats or as a sweet addition to your holiday table.
These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are sure to be a hit, with their sweet, tender, and flavorful profile. They’re a Southern comfort food tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal.