Tender, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, these Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes are a timeless Southern side dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Sliced sweet potatoes are gently simmered in a rich brown sugar glaze until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender, making them a perfect addition to holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare with simple ingredients yet tastes indulgent and satisfying. The sweet potatoes absorb a warm, spiced syrup made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla—creating a caramelized coating that’s both nostalgic and decadent. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or as a classic soul food side dish year-round.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them evenly into ½-inch thick rounds. Set aside. - Make the Glaze:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a gentle boil while stirring until the mixture is smooth and the sugars are dissolved. - Simmer with Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pieces in the glaze.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and glazing.
The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender, and the sauce will thicken into a syrupy consistency. - Finish:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to cling to the potatoes.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people as a side dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
- Marshmallow Topping: After cooking, transfer to a baking dish, top with mini marshmallows, and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Orange Zest: Add 1 tsp of orange zest for a citrusy twist that brightens the sweetness.
- Bourbon Glaze: Stir in 1–2 tbsp of bourbon with the glaze for added depth and warmth.
- Maple Syrup Swap: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Finish: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving for texture and a nutty contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until warm.
FAQs
Can I bake this dish instead of simmering on the stove?
Yes. Combine the glaze ingredients, pour over the sweet potatoes in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes.
Do I need to parboil the sweet potatoes first?
No, there’s no need to parboil. The sweet potatoes cook fully as they simmer in the glaze.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and reheat before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight.
Is it necessary to use both brown and white sugar?
Using both creates a deeper flavor and better caramelization, but you can use only brown sugar if preferred.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They should be easily pierced with a fork and coated in a thick, glossy glaze.
What type of brown sugar should I use?
Either light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar will provide a richer, more molasses-heavy flavor.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes are highly recommended for the best texture, but canned can be used in a pinch—just reduce cooking time significantly.
Is nutmeg necessary?
No, nutmeg is optional. It adds a warm spice note but can be omitted without compromising the dish.
Can I add vanilla extract earlier in the cooking process?
It’s best added at the end to preserve its flavor, as prolonged heat can dull its aromatic quality.
What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, baked ham, fried chicken, cornbread, and other Southern-inspired sides.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes are a rich, nostalgic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With their tender texture and deeply flavorful glaze, they offer a satisfying blend of sweet and savory that’s loved by all generations. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday table or a simple weeknight dinner, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a cherished favorite.
PrintBrown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes
Tender sweet potato rounds simmered in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze with warm spices. These Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic Southern-style side dish perfect for holidays or comforting family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes evenly into ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until smooth.
- Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet and stir to coat them well in the glaze.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to cling.
Notes
- Use uniformly sized sweet potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- For a thicker glaze, uncover during the last 5–10 minutes of simmering.
- Great for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg