Southern-Style Candied Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are a breeze to prepare on the stovetop with a combination of brown sugar, butter, and fragrant spices.

Steps to Prepare Candied Sweet Potatoes

For a complete list of ingredients and step-by-step guidance, check out the recipe below, but here’s a quick overview of the process:

Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare these irresistible candied sweet potatoes:

• Sweet potatoes: Peel and cut six large sweet potatoes into chunks. 
• Butter: Cook the sweet potatoes in a stick of butter. 
• Sugar: Two cups of white sugar sweeten things up a bit. 
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg lend welcome warmth. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract takes the overall flavor up a notch. 

How to Prepare Candied Sweet Potatoes

The full recipe with detailed instructions can be found below, but here's a quick summary of what to expect when making your own batch of candied sweet potatoes:

1. Cook the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in butter until tender.
2. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the vanilla), cover, and let them simmer until candied.
3. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla for extra flavor.

Can You Prepare Candied Sweet Potatoes in Advance?

Absolutely! You can make these candied sweet potatoes ahead of time. Simply mix all the ingredients together, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate. When you're ready, cook them as directed in the recipe.

How to Store Candied Sweet Potatoes

To store leftover candied sweet potatoes, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove, in the oven, or microwave when you're ready to enjoy.

Dinogo Community Tips and Feedback

"This recipe is fantastic," says Nikki. "I swapped white sugar for dark brown sugar, and it turned out perfect. I’ll definitely be making this again."

"Everyone loved it," shares Ken Richardson. "I added a tablespoon of my favorite rum during the last 5 minutes of cooking, then gave it a quick stir before serving. It was amazing!"

"These were hands down the best sweet potatoes I’ve ever had in my 50 years," says Deborah. "They were perfectly tender in the middle, with a nice crispness around the edges."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

• 6 large sweet potatoes

• ½ cup butter

• 2 cups white sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe.

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced sweet potatoes.

In a bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir until evenly coated.

Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and cook while stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and 'candied'—about 1 hour. The sauce will deepen in color as it simmers.

Add vanilla just before serving and serve while hot.

Nutrition Information (per serving)