Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes is a fast and simple way to make a classic sweet potatoes favorite in no time flat. Finish them off in the oven with marshmallows for a fast sweet potato casserole or eat them from the pot as-is!

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I've been making my candied sweet potatoes (and yams) this way for years. Swapping yams for sweet potatoes whenever one is cheaper or more convenient, and the dish turns out great every time.
Adding a little clove to the pot brings an earthy spice that pairs well with the buttery sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Every bite is delicious, but I can't resist topping it with marshmallows for that extra touch of indulgence!
My favorite parts about this recipe are its simplicity, easy prep, and quick cooking time. You can also adjust the sugar content as needed!
These sweet potatoes are perfect for any time of year but are especially popular around Thanksgiving. Serve them alongside Honey Orange Glazed Ham, Cajun Turkey Breast, and veggies like Roasted Frozen Green Beans for a delicious feast.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- They're quick to make. This stove top sweet potato recipe is easy to make and incredibly fast too, perfect for hectic holiday feasts.
- No oven is needed. During the holidays, it's hard to schedule the oven around everything that needs to be baked, so having stove top recipes is great for time management and reduced stress. While adding marshmallows and broiling the dish is nice, it's totally optional.
- Simple ingredients. We don't need much to make this tasty side dish. In fact, we only need 4 ingredients. Any necessary shopping would be minimal.
🛒 Ingredients

Sweet potatoes- You will need some fresh sweet potatoes that have been washed, peeled, and diced into smaller pieces. If you have leftover sweet potatoes try our Leftover Mashed Sweet Potato Muffins.
Granulated sugar- Adding white sugar will give us a sweeter taste and a nice caramelized flavor throughout the homemade syrup.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Buy sweet potatoes in bulk. Larger bags usually cost less per pound and store well.
Adjust the sweetness to taste. Reducing the sugar or butter slightly can lower cost without losing flavor.
Skip the marshmallows if needed. The sweet potatoes are flavorful on their own and still make a great side.
🥄 Instructions for Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients together in a large pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally.

Step 2: Let the pot simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

Step 3: Mash or serve as-is or do the following for a finishing step.
Step 4: Place candied sweet potatoes in a casserole dish and then top with mini marshmallows.

Step 5: Set oven broil to high and broil casserole for 1 minute until the marshmallows are toasty.
Serve warm!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Adjust sweetness. For a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar by up to half. The sweet potatoes will continue to sweeten naturally as they cook.
- Marshmallows are optional. You can skip the oven toasted marshmallows and serve straight from the pot, or add them for a s'mores style finish similar to Easy S'mores Pie.
- Sweet potatoes or yams. Either works well in this Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe with no noticeable difference in the final result.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftover Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Make Ahead: These sweet potatoes can be made a day in advance and reheated just before serving.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
These stove top candied sweet potatoes pair well with baked ham, roasted turkey, chicken dishes, or as part of a holiday-style meal spread.
- Honey Baked Spiral HamRecipe $10.35 / Serving $0.52
- Cajun Turkey Breast RecipeRecipe $9.14 / Serving $1.14
- Honey Orange Glazed HamRecipe $12.32 / Serving $0.51
- Poor Mans Prime RibRecipe $23.28 / Serving $3.88
❓ Recipe FAQs
Leftovers can be held in a covered container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat before eating to best enjoy them warm!
Yes, you can customize the flavors by using spices like allspice, ginger, or cloves, and adding ingredients like pecans or marshmallows for extra texture and taste.
Yes, you can make Stove-Top Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the microwave or on the stove for convenience.

🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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- Jalapeno Cheddar BiscuitsRecipe $3.78 / Serving $0.47
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- Bacon Ranch Brussel SproutsRecipe $7.35 / Serving $1.23
🐝 If you tried these stove top sweet potatoes, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 5 to 6 medium) - ($2.49)
- ½ cup Butter - ($0.99)
- 1 cup granulated sugar - ($0.36)
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves - ($0.04)
Optional Topping
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ½ inch cubes.
- Cook. In a large pot or 12 inch cast iron skillet, combine the sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and cloves over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, then stir to combine.
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Finish. Serve as is, or transfer to a casserole dish and top with marshmallows. Broil on high for about 1 minute until marshmallows are lightly toasted.
- Serve. Serve warm.
Notes
- Sweetness: Reduce the sugar by up to half for a less sweet dish.
- Syrup level: Reduce the butter by half for less syrup.
- Cookware: If using a cast iron skillet or oven safe pot, you can broil directly without transferring to a casserole dish.
- Swaps: Yams and sweet potatoes are interchangeable.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information
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