Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and Slice: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Sugars and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook until the sugars begin to melt and combine with the butter to form a thick syrup (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Water and Vanilla: Carefully pour in the water, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey (if using). Stir everything together until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, making sure they are coated in the sugary butter sauce.
- Simmer and Cover: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the sweet potatoes simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes will absorb the syrup and become tender as they cook.
- Check for Tenderness: After about 20 minutes, check if the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If they aren’t soft enough, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Caramelize the Sauce
- Thicken the Syrup: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, uncover the skillet and raise the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for another 5-10 minutes, gently stirring so the syrup coats the potatoes evenly. The sauce will become rich and caramelized.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot: Transfer the candied sweet potatoes to a serving dish, spooning the thick syrup over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or toasted pecans if desired.
Tips for the Best Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes:
- Don’t Over-Stir: Sweet potatoes are tender when cooked and can break apart if handled too much. Stir gently to keep the slices intact.
- Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or skip the maple syrup/honey.
- Add Marshmallows: If you want to take this dish to the next level, top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows and place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until they turn golden and melty.
Variations:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Add Pecans: For a delightful crunch, toss in some chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Orange Twist: Add the zest of one orange and a splash of orange juice to the syrup for a citrusy twist on the classic.
Serving Suggestions:
Southern candied sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to fried chicken, roast turkey, ham, or pork chops. They also pair well with other holiday staples like cornbread, collard greens, or a green bean casserole.
Conclusion:
This easy recipe for Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes will bring warmth and sweetness to your table. The buttery, spiced syrup clings to the tender potatoes, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or a holiday feast, it’s sure to be a favorite side dish that everyone will request again and again!
Enjoy your Southern classic with family, and don’t forget to share the love with others!