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Sliced candy sweet potatoes being lifted fro white bowl ready to enjoy
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4.57 from 41 votes

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

My mama's Southern candied sweet potatoes simmer on the stove in a buttery syrup until every slice is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Save a spot for these on your Sunday supper or holiday table boos!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: soul food, south, Southern
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 376kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled, and thinly sliced on the vertical to ⅛-¼  inch thickness (very thin)
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1 3/4-2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Add sliced potatoes to a large 5 quart pot.
  • Fill with 6 cups of lukewarm water, butter, sugar, vanilla extract and nutmeg and give a slight stir.
  • Push the potatoes down with a large spoon to make sure the potatoes are covered with water. If not, add more water, starting with ½ cup at a time until potatoes are completely covered. Turn heat on the stove to high to bring the mixture to a rolling (slight) boil.
  • After it comes to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Test how tender they are by sticking the potatoes with a fork.
  • Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes on medium high heat OR until water has evaporated leaving JUST a sweet syrup over the potatoes. That syrup should be thickened so don't stop if it is still thin and super watery. It still needs to be reduced more.

Video

Notes

How to Store

  • Fridge: Store the potatoes with their syrup in a shallow airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheating: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until hot throughout. Larger portions take longer. Y'all can also microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals. If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 438mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 18679IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg