By: Jill Mills Posted: Jun 4, 2022 Updated: Dec 31, 2024

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Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible Candied Sweet Potatoes! Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just need a quick and easy weeknight side dish, these fork-tender sweet potato medallions have you covered. Baked to perfection in a rich, buttery glaze of brown sugar, vanilla, and warm spices, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Candied Sweet Potatoes being lifted out of a baking dish with a spoon

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

If you want a simple yet delicious way to prepare sweet potatoes, this is it. They are sliced and baked to perfection! The sugars and butter come together perfectly in this glazed sweet potato recipe. The natural sweetness of the potatoes compliments all of the ingredients, too. I love the notes of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and spice from the ginger. I’ve made this recipe at Thanksgiving and just for dinner, and it’s always a hit—even with the kids!

Add this classic potato side dish to your dinner table, and kick up the color and flavor with these beautiful Candied Sweet Potatoes! This recipe is so simple, tasty, and really versatile as it pairs well with many different meals.

Why You’ll Love These Candied Sweet Potatoes

Simple ingredients. This is a simple yet yummy recipe that requires everyday ingredients.
Budget-friendly. It’s a very affordable side dish that works well with any size budget.
Crowd favorite. Whether you are making them for a potluck or a special occasion, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress.

A white plate with candied sweet potatoes medallions served, with the baking dish in the background.

Recipe Ingredients

These glazed sweet potatoes require just 5 ingredients plus spices. It’s super easy to put together in a pinch. Scroll down to find the exact measurements and step-by-step instructions on the recipe card below.

Sweet potatoes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are firm and fresh. Peel and slice them into even medallions.
Butter: You may use unsalted or salted butter. I typically reach for the salted variety to balance the sweetness. No need to worry about softening it because it will be melted.
Sugars: A combination of white sugar and brown sugar gives your glaze the perfect texture and flavor. It reduces well in the oven and becomes thick and sticky. I like the deep, rich flavor of brown sugar mixed in.
Vanilla: I add vanilla extract to this candied sweet potato recipe because it enhances the flavors of the sugar, spices, and potatoes.
Spices: I use a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. They add a warm, spiced flavor and the ginger has a mild kick.

Ingredients for candied sweet potatoes, including sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

How To Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Once you mix the glaze and slice the potatoes, all of the preparation is complete! I like to preheat the oven to 350 degrees F while I prepare the ingredients so they can go straight in once they’re ready.

Prep the sweet potatoes. Ensure your sweet potatoes are peeled and washed. Then, slice them into ½ inch circles and place them on the bottom of the casserole dish in an even layer.
Make the glaze. Combine the melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined. Next, pour brown sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes.

Freshly sliced sweet potatoes arranged in a white baking dish before adding any glaze or seasoning.

A glass bowl filled with melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ready to be mixed for the sweet potato glaze. The bowl is placed on a red and white checkered napkin with a wooden spatula beside it.

Cover and bake. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and put it in the oven. Bake the sweet potatoes for about 30 minutes.
Stir and uncover. Remove the potatoes from the oven and uncover them. Stir them around to ensure the glaze covers them.

Sliced raw sweet potatoes covered with a generous layer of brown sugar and butter mixture, ready to be baked in a white dish.

Sweet potato medallions fully baked, soaked in a rich, brown sugar glaze in a white baking dish.

Bake longer. Put it back in the oven uncovered and bake for another 15-20 minutes. They are ready once they are fork tender.
Cool and rest. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool for a few minutes before you transfer them to a serving dish to rest for 10 minutes.
Serve. Enjoy them with your favorite main course!

A spoon scooping up glazed sweet potatoes from a white baking dish, showcasing their caramelized texture.

Tips for Success

Don’t use canned sweet potatoes. I prefer fresh potatoes because the canned variety is precooked. If you bake them the same way, they will become very mushy. Plus, many varieties already have a glaze on them.
Use pure vanilla. The authentic vanilla flavor you get with the real extract is unmatched, and it goes perfectly in this dish.
Skip freezing the leftovers. These candied sweet potatoes don’t freeze or thaw well, and they absorb a lot of extra moisture. They’re so much better when you make them fresh!
Experiment with toppings. For a classic variation, add walnuts and marshmallow toppings. Or maybe try a drizzle of maple syrup or orange zest.

How to Store Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You may reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-1 ½ minutes or until warmed through.

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