Classic Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in a timeless Southern classic with this recipe for Classic Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. These sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes are a perfect side dish for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a comforting weeknight dinner. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, this dish showcases the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, enhanced by a rich brown sugar syrup. The buttery glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, ensuring a delightful taste in every bite. A true crowd-pleaser, these candied sweet potatoes are sure to steal the show!
8
Servings
360
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
8 medium (baked, peeled, and sliced in half lengthwise)
water
2 1/2 cups (none)
dark brown sugar
1 1/3 cups (packed)
butter
4 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine water, dark brown sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3
Once boiled, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the syrup is simmering.
5
Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes into a single layer in an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish, cut side up.
6
Carefully pour the syrup mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are bubbly and tender.
8
Baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup every 15 minutes for optimal flavor and caramelization.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
63.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1.4g
Fiber
47.8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The primary dish is Classic Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes, a sweet and buttery side dish common in Southern cooking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the syrup?
The syrup is made from water, dark brown sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared before baking?
The sweet potatoes should be baked, peeled, and sliced in half lengthwise before being arranged in the baking dish.
How long should I simmer the syrup mixture?
The mixture should be simmered on low heat for about 45 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What oven temperature is required for baking the sweet potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What size baking dish should be used?
An ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to bake in the oven?
They should bake for approximately 45 minutes or until bubbly and tender.
What is the secret to optimal flavor and caramelization in this recipe?
Basting the sweet potatoes with the syrup every 15 minutes during the baking process ensures the best flavor and caramelization.
How many calories are in one serving of these candied sweet potatoes?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There are 47.8g of sugar in each serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There is 9g of fat per serving.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 1.4g of fiber per serving.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for dark brown sugar to create a rich syrup.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
How many sweet potatoes are required?
You will need 8 medium sweet potatoes.
Does this dish contain cinnamon?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to the syrup.
How should the sweet potatoes be positioned in the baking dish?
They should be arranged in a single layer with the cut side facing up.
What occasions are these sweet potatoes best suited for?
They are perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, or comforting weeknight dinners.
Is the baking dish supposed to be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking dish.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 63.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this side dish?
There is 1g of protein per serving.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include candied yams, southern cooking, holiday side dish, and comfort food.
How much water is needed for the syrup?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of water.
What happens to the syrup in the oven?
The buttery glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, coating the potatoes.
Can I use light brown sugar?
While dark brown sugar is specified for its deeper flavor, light brown sugar can be used as a substitute if necessary.
Do I need to stir the syrup while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to ensure the sugar is dissolved and it thickens evenly.
Is this a complex recipe to make?
No, it is described as simple to prepare and full of flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this dish.