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Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced sweet potatoes cooked in a rich, buttery, and sweet vanilla-infused syrup with a hint of nutmeg. It’s a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or cozy family dinners, delivering tender, flavorful sweet potatoes with a glossy, caramelized coating.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced vertically to ⅛-¼ inch thickness

Syrup

  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1 3/4 to 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them very thinly on the vertical, between ⅛ and ¼ inch thick. This uniform thin slicing will help the sweet potatoes cook evenly and absorb the syrup flavor thoroughly.
  2. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and stir constantly until the sugar begins to dissolve and forms a thick syrup.
  3. Add Vanilla and Nutmeg: Stir the pure vanilla extract and ground nutmeg into the sugar and butter mixture, blending well to enhance the flavor profile of the syrup.
  4. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Carefully add the thinly sliced sweet potatoes to the syrup. Stir gently to coat all slices with the syrup. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the sweet potatoes simmer until they are tender and the syrup has thickened and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup is glossy and thick, remove from heat. Let cool slightly before serving warm as a delightful side dish.

Notes

  • Use thin slices of sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking and faster absorption of sweet syrup.
  • Adjust sugar quantity between 1 3/4 to 2 cups depending on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning the sugar on the pan bottom.
  • This dish tastes even better when rested for a few minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken further.
  • For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped pecans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Keywords: candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato side dish, buttery sweet potatoes, holiday sweet potatoes, vanilla nutmeg sweet potatoes

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/candied-sweet-potatoes-recipe/