Southern Candied Yams are a classic comfort food, featuring tender sweet potatoes smothered in a rich, buttery caramel-like sauce made from brown sugar and warm spices. This dish is a must-have on holiday tables, but it’s just as delightful any time of the year. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern Comfort: A traditional recipe full of warmth and sweetness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for Holidays: A staple on Thanksgiving or Christmas tables.
- Rich and Decadent: Buttery, sweet, and spiced to perfection.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Water or orange juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish. Arrange the sweet potato slices evenly in the dish.
- Make the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water (or orange juice, if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes
- Pour the syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are well coated.
- Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, gently stir the potatoes to redistribute the syrup, and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Serve
- Let the candied yams cool slightly before serving. Spoon the syrup over the potatoes for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 6–8 people.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Marshmallow Topping: Add marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a sweet, gooey finish.
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for a nutty twist.
- Citrus Burst: Use orange juice instead of water for a zesty flavor.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze fully cooked yams in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
True yams are starchy and dry, while sweet potatoes are sweet and moist. This dish uses sweet potatoes, but the name “candied yams” is a traditional misnomer.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but drain them well and reduce the baking time since they’re already cooked.
How do I ensure the syrup thickens properly?
Simmer the syrup in the saucepan until it has a slightly thickened consistency before pouring over the sweet potatoes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake the dish up to 1 day in advance. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, adjust the sugar to your taste, but note that it may slightly affect the caramelization.
Are these yams vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use butter (or a plant-based alternative) without animal-derived additives.
What spices can I add for variety?
Cloves, allspice, or cardamom can add a unique flavor twist.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
What’s the best way to slice sweet potatoes for this dish?
Slice them into uniform rounds about ¼–½ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, layer the sweet potatoes and syrup in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until tender.
Conclusion
Southern Candied Yams are a rich and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of indulgence to any meal. With their buttery caramel sauce and tender texture, they’re a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintBest Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe
These tender yams are coated in a sweet and buttery glaze spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. A classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for holidays or any comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering or Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven (Optional):
- If you prefer baked candied yams, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Yams:
- Peel and slice the yams into uniform 1/2-inch-thick rounds for even cooking. Arrange them in a single layer in a large skillet or a deep baking dish.
- Make the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugars dissolve and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the Yams:
- Pour the syrup evenly over the yams, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook the Yams:
- On the Stove: Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to ensure the yams cook evenly and the syrup thickens.
- In the Oven: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the syrup to caramelize slightly.
- Serve:
- Once the yams are tender and the glaze is rich and thick, remove from heat. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the syrup.
- To make it even more indulgent, sprinkle chopped pecans or mini marshmallows over the yams during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.