Best 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
Scale
- 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.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/best-ever-southern-candied-yams-recipe/