Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a staple in Southern cuisine, bringing a comforting blend of sweetness and spice to the table. This dish is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of Southern charm. The combination of tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery, and spiced syrup creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix the Sugar and Spices
In a small bowl, combine the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This blend of spices will give your sweet potatoes that classic Southern flavor.

2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes, stirring to coat them evenly with the melted butter.

3. Add the Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the sweet potatoes. Stir well to ensure that each slice is thoroughly coated with the sweet, spiced sugar.

4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sweet potatoes to cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become dark and syrupy, and the potatoes should be tender with slightly crisp edges.

5. Finish with Vanilla
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly candied, stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch adds depth to the flavor and enhances the sweetness of the dish.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are best served warm, allowing the rich, buttery syrup to shine. They make an excellent side dish for holiday dinners, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, but they can also be a delightful addition to any Sunday supper. Pair them with savory dishes like roasted turkey, ham, or pork chops for a balanced meal. For a more decadent experience, top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans.

Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the sweet potatoes in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked sweet potatoes. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the sweet potatoes overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them in a skillet or microwave as described above.

Variations:

1. Maple Candied Sweet Potatoes
For a richer, deeper flavor, replace half of the white sugar with pure maple syrup. The maple syrup adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Follow the same cooking process, but reduce the sugar mixture slightly to account for the added sweetness of the maple syrup.

2. Pecan Candied Sweet Potatoes
Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The pecans will toast slightly in the buttery syrup, adding a delicious nutty flavor that complements the softness of the sweet potatoes.

3. Bourbon Candied Sweet Potatoes
For an adult twist, add 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon to the skillet along with the vanilla extract. The bourbon’s smoky, rich flavor adds complexity to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. Be sure to cook off the alcohol, leaving behind just the flavor.

4. Orange-Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes
Introduce a citrusy note by adding the zest of one orange and substituting the vanilla extract with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice. The bright, tangy flavor of the orange cuts through the sweetness, offering a refreshing variation.

5. Spiced Candied Sweet Potatoes
For a more pronounced spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the sugar mixture. These spices add warmth and depth, giving the sweet potatoes a slightly more complex flavor profile that’s perfect for autumn and winter.

6. Brown Sugar and Honey Candied Sweet Potatoes
Swap the white sugar for brown sugar and add 2 tablespoons of honey for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. The combination of brown sugar and honey creates a rich, sticky glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

7. Marshmallow-Topped Candied Sweet Potatoes
For a classic twist, transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a baking dish, top them with mini marshmallows, and broil for a few minutes until the marshmallows are golden and gooey. This variation is a hit with kids and adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the traditional Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, allowing you to customize the dish to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you prefer a touch of bourbon, the crunch of pecans, or the sweetness of marshmallows, there’s a variation here to elevate your candied sweet potatoes to the next level.

FAQs:

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but the texture will be different. Canned sweet potatoes are already cooked and much softer, so you’ll need to reduce the cooking time significantly. Be sure to drain and rinse the canned sweet potatoes before adding them to the skillet.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes a day or two in advance. After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before serving.

3. How can I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming too mushy?
To avoid mushy sweet potatoes, be careful not to overcook them. Slice the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate, and keep an eye on them as they simmer. The goal is to have tender potatoes with slightly firm edges.

4. Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use yams in place of sweet potatoes. While yams and sweet potatoes have slightly different textures and flavors, they are often interchangeable in recipes like this one. Just be aware that yams might take a bit longer to cook.

5. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dish. Try cutting the sugar by half or using a sugar substitute like brown sugar or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that the sweetness is a key part of the traditional flavor, so reducing it will change the taste.

6. What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Both will give you a similar rich texture, though coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor.

7. How can I add more flavor to the dish?
For more flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon, a sprinkle of orange zest, or additional spices like cloves or allspice. You can also top the finished dish with toasted pecans or mini marshmallows for added texture and taste.

8. How long do leftovers last?
Leftover Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them gently to maintain their texture and flavor.

9. Can I bake the sweet potatoes instead of cooking them on the stove?
Yes, you can bake them. After coating the sweet potatoes with the sugar and butter mixture, transfer them to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until tender. Uncover for the last 15 minutes to allow the syrup to thicken.

10. What’s the best way to reheat Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes?
The best way to reheat them is in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. If the potatoes seem dry, add a small amount of butter or water to refresh the sauce.