This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Simply tasty Candied Sweet Potatoes are caramelized in butter and brown sugar, making them a favorite side dish.

Candied Sweet Potatoes are glazed in butter and brown sugar. They’re one of our go-to side dishes for holidays and get-togethers and are simple and quick (similar to our Candied Carrots and Glazed Red Potatoes).

Candied Sweet Potatoes served in white bowl.


stove top candied sweet potatoes

I’ve recently become obsessed with sweet potatoes. We are trying every sweet potato recipe we can, like Sweet Potato Cubes, Sweet Potato Soup, and Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes.

With this new love for sweet potatoes, we wanted to candy them like our Glazed Carrots. We are so glad we gave it a try. This best Candied Sweet Potato is seriously delicious, with the perfect sweetness!

This side dish is simple and a great addition to any dinner recipe or holiday meal.

This dish is also called Candied Yams, but you’re still using sweet potatoes. Confused? Actual yams are not often sold in US grocery stores so in the US the two names are really referring to sweet potatoes. What is the difference between the two root vegetables? 

  • Sweet Potatoes have reddish skin and purple, white, or orange flesh. It has a sweet flavor.
  • Yams have rough brown skin with pale flesh. They are neutral in flavor.
Sweet potatoes cut for candied sweet potatoes.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

PREP. Peel sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds.

COMBINE. Add all ingredients to a pan and bring to a boil.

COOK. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes without stirring. Cook on low for an additional 3-5 minutes stirring until potatoes are well coated and tender.

Cubed potatoes. Cut into ½-inch cubes or sticks.

Cooking Candied Sweet Potatoes in butter and brown sugar.

Variations

Candied Sweet Potatoes are super simple and simply delicious, but cooking wakes up creativity and you may wish to try some yummy variations like:

  • Stir in orange zest.
  • Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Marshmallows: Place the cooked yams in a casserole dish, top with mini marshmallows, then broil in the oven for a couple of minutes or until the marshmallows are toasted. 
  • Add spices like nutmeg or ginger.

Serving and Storing

Serve with: This recipe makes a great Thanksgiving side dish and pairs well with classic Turkey, but also tastes great with other dishes like Fried Chicken, Honey Glazed Ham, and Smothered Pork Chops. Keep the recipe handy to make all year long. 

STORE in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pot. Add a bit of butter and cook until heated through.

FREEZE. Cool completely and place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little butter if needed.

I know sweet potatoes are a fall-favorite veggie but this would be a great side dish with any meal!

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe served in a white bowl.

For more favorite veggie sides:

More Collections: Thanksgiving Side Dishes

5 from 20 votes

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Simply tasty Candied Sweet Potatoes are caramelized in butter and brown sugar, making them a favorite side dish.
Servings: 4
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Total: 18 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2-3 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into rounds
  • 2-3 tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • salt and pepper to taste (to taste)

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a pan and bring to a boil.
  • Turn heat down to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes without stirring.
  • Cook on low for an additional 3-5 minute stirring until potatoes are well coated.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 93mg, Potassium: 243mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 9400IU, Vitamin C: 1.6mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




13 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Recently saw these in my FB newsfeed and knew right away I had to make them. OMG nothing compares to them. They are so incredible that I made them twice in one week. This is my go to now for a side dish for everyday meals and especially for holidays. LOVE THIS RECIPE.

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve never been the biggest sweet potato fan, but the brown sugar glaze takes these to the top! I could definitely eat these often!