Sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—this classic Southern side dish brings warm comfort and old-fashioned charm to every table.

Whether you’re cooking for Sunday supper, Thanksgiving dinner, or just craving something nostalgic and cozy, these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes hit the spot every time. Tender slices of sweet potatoes are simmered and baked in a rich brown sugar glaze, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The result? A glossy, golden caramel coating that makes every bite feel like dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food that pairs well with roasted meats, holiday spreads, or soul food feasts
• Simple ingredients, big flavor—no marshmallows or fluff, just old-school goodness
• Make-ahead friendly and easy to reheat
• Naturally gluten-free, and can be customized with nuts or maple syrup

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Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) water

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Optional Add-Ins

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans – for crunch and a toasty finish
• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup – for extra richness and flavor depth
• Splash of vanilla extract – adds warmth and subtle sweetness

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your sweet potatoes are!

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Step 2: Build the Syrup Base

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water.

Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar starts to form a syrup—about 5–7 minutes.

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Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a large baking dish (9×13 works great), spreading the slices into an even layer and spooning the syrup over the top.

Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting occasionally with the syrup, until the sweet potatoes are tender and coated in a sticky, golden glaze.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

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Serving Suggestions

These candied sweet potatoes are the perfect match for:

• Baked or fried chicken
• Glazed ham
• Collard greens
• Cornbread or biscuits
• Thanksgiving turkey or holiday roasts

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Tips for Success

• Use uniform slices for even cooking and better presentation.
• Don’t skip the basting! It helps create that glossy, candied finish.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the full dish a day before and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

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Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave in short bursts, spooning syrup over the top to keep them moist.