Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes (Authentic Southern Recipe!)
These old fashioned candied sweet potatoes are a classic Southern side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich buttery brown sugar glaze with warm spices and vanilla. Perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and largely cubed
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Arrange cubed sweet potatoes evenly in the dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Pour mixture over sweet potatoes, coating well.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, stir, and continue baking uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are tender and glaze has thickened.
- Toss gently before serving warm.
Notes
- Add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Top with chopped pecans before baking for crunch.
- Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup for a less sweet version.
- Finish with mini marshmallows and broil for a festive touch.
- Best paired with turkey, ham, or fried chicken for a Southern-style meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
