Today, I’m excited to share with you my all-time favorite Thanksgiving side dish – the Classic Southern Sweet Potato.
When it comes to the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of sweet potatoes baking in the oven.
This classic Southern recipe is not only a staple on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter but also a delightful treat for busy weeknights when you need a touch of warmth and sweetness.
The star of the show is the delectable sauce that perfectly complements the tender sweet potato slices, making this dish an irresistible indulgence when you crave a touch of Southern charm.
The best Candied Sweet Potatoes
The Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of the holiday season and Southern comfort cuisine.
Its rich and flavorful sauce elevates the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a symphony of taste and texture that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply seeking a delightful weeknight treat, this traditional recipe is a timeless choice that embodies the spirit of love, family, and togetherness.
Why you’ll love these Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet and Savory: The perfect combination of brown sugar and butter creates a caramel-like sauce that coats every bite of the sweet potatoes, giving them a sweet, savory taste that’s truly addictive.
- Comforting: With its warm, sweet flavors and soft, tender texture, this dish is the epitome of comfort food.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps.
- Versatile: While it’s a classic choice for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s also perfect for any other dinner or special occasion throughout the year.
I love that you can skip the pre-cooking with these sweet potatoes.
No boiling or mashing required like in the traditional sweet potato casserole. Just thick slices of peeled goodness and you’re good to go.
Can You Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely, you can certainly Make Ahead Candied Sweet Potatoes, and it’s a genius move that will save you time and stress during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s a game-changing strategy that allows you to be the ultimate holiday host or hostess, all while savoring the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Southern dish.
Ingredients for the Candied Sweet Potatoes
Here are the ingredients needed for this highly-rated candied sweet potato recipe:
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Orange juice
- Salt
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/2 inch thick rounds. This ensures even cooking and a lovely presentation.
Step 2: Create the Decadent Sauce
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the packed brown sugar and white sugar to the melted butter, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, allowing the spices to infuse the sauce with their warm flavors.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and gently stir in the orange juice, creating a luscious, fragrant sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
1. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of salt evenly over the sweet potato slices.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is coated with the delicious mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and place it in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be simply irresistible!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
1. Once baked, remove the foil and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
The classic southern sweet potato casserole can be enjoyed as a side dish alongside your favorite Thanksgiving or holiday main course.
It’s also a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner table, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal.
Other Sweet Potato Side Dishes to Try!
The Best Candied Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the cozy comfort of our Candied Sweet Potatoes - a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. Perfect as a Thanksgiving side, a holiday treat, or a heartwarming addition to any weeknight dinner. One bite, and you're sure to fall in love with this classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 3-4 lbs), peeled and sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2 inch rounds.
2. Create the Brown Sugar Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden.
- Stir in brown sugar and white sugar until smooth.
- Add cinnamon and nutmeg, stirring to infuse flavors.
- Remove from heat, and gently mix in orange juice.
3. Coat and Bake:
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping.
- Sprinkle salt evenly over slices.
- Drizzle the glaze over sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated.
4. Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish with foil to seal in flavors.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let cool briefly before serving.
- Serve as a delightful side dish for Thanksgiving, holidays, or any occasion.
Notes
Make ahead Candied Sweet Potatoes
A game-changing strategy: Preparing Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time is not only possible but also highly recommended, particularly for those busy holiday seasons or family gatherings.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 226Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 24mgSodium 203mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 2gSugar 27gProtein 1g
