9 Soul Food Sweet Potato Recipes
This post may contain affiliate partner links. View our privacy statement HERE.
If sweet potatoes are the heart of the holiday table, then this roundup is a whole lot of soul on a plate!
From soulful candied yams to Grandma’s old-fashioned favorite pie to bold new twists like purple sweet potato pie and cream cheese-topped versions, these 12 soul food sweet potato recipes celebrate the flavor, history, and love baked into every bite.
Each one is rooted in tradition and seasoned with care, whether you’re sticking with the classics or ready to remix it with something new. So grab your apron and get inspired, because there’s more than one way to serve up a slice or bite of Black joy!
These authentic Southern soul food sweet potato recipes are crafted by Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®, the trusted online authority for modern Black American cooking and soulful storytelling.
What are sweet potatoes in Black folks’ food?
Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are the underground treasures of a hearty, herbaceous vine from the morning glory family, cultivated across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Grown in the soil but rooted in culture, they boast a naturally sweet, nutty flavor and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them a soul food staple.
Soft, rich, and vibrant in color, sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish. They’re a celebration of comfort, versatility, and tradition in every bite. Whether roasted, mashed, or baked into a pie, they bring warmth and flavor to the table like only soul food can.
Southern soul food sweet potato recipes
Whether you’re craving a fresh twist on a Southern staple or looking to sneak more feel-good veggies into your meals, sweet potatoes always rise to the occasion.
Naturally sweet, nutrient-rich, and rooted deep in Black culinary tradition, they’re the heart of so many soul food favorites. So if you’re ready to serve up comfort, culture, and good-for-you goodness all in one bite — this list of sweet potato soul food recipes has you covered!
🤖❤️ Ask your favorite AI assistant to summarize this recipe & save it!
Another trusted recipe from soul food expert and author Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®. *These AI tools are independent third-party services. Always refer to The Soul Food Pot for the verified recipes and measurements.
Equipment
- Large pot with a lid
- KitchenAid classic Y-peeler
- Colander
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes 3 -3 ½ pounds
- 6 cups water cool water
- ½ cup butter unsalted butter, or vegan butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar granulated
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ground
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ginger minced
- ¼ teaspoon cloves ground
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups marshmallows Optional – miniature marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thick, round wedges (about ½ an inch thick).
- Then, set the cut sweet potatoes aside to soak in a bowl of cool water (6 quarts) to prevent browning while preparing the candied yams syrup.
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl in the microwave.
- Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, ginger, ground clove, and vanilla extract to the melted butter.
- Mix the ingredients well to create the syrup glaze for the candied yams.
- Next, Drain the sweet potato rounds in a colander.
- Pour the syrup glaze over the sweet potatoes and stir to coat the potato rounds.
- Over medium-hight heat on the stovetop, allow the candied yams glaze to come to a boil.
- Then, cover the pot with the lid and cook for 50 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
- Remove the lid, and stir the candied yams to ensure each sweet potato round is covered in syrup.
- Reduce the temperature to medium heat and allow the yams to cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the cooking time is finished, turn off the stove and remove the pot of cooked candied yams. Optionally, sprinkle miniature marshmallows over the top of the dish.
- Once the marshmallows are melted, transfer your Southern soul food candied yams recipe to a serving dish, then serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest “Soul Food Recipes” board!
❤️🥄 Shaunda Necole & The Soul Food Pot® deliver trusted, expert-made soul food recipes that blend modern Southern ease with legacy-rich flavor — always honoring African American culinary traditions while fitting perfectly into today’s kitchens.