Sweet, tender, and full of rich flavors, Southern Candied Yams are a quintessential comfort food. This classic side dish combines perfectly baked sweet potatoes with a buttery, spiced glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these yams are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Easy-to-follow steps that yield incredible results every time.
- Ideal for holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners alike.
- A nostalgic, Southern-inspired dish that brings warmth to the table.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Water
Directions
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick slices or wedges for even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a large saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Layer the Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour the glaze over the top, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil, baste the potatoes with the sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Let the yams cool slightly before serving. Spoon the syrupy glaze over the top for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Citrus: Add a splash of orange juice or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Use Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Top with Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Marshmallow Topping: For a classic holiday touch, top with marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. To maintain the syrupy consistency, spoon some of the glaze over the top before reheating.
FAQs
What are candied yams?
Candied yams are sweet potatoes cooked with a sugar-based glaze, often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. They are a Southern classic, especially popular during holidays.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.
Are sweet potatoes the same as yams?
In the U.S., sweet potatoes are often mislabeled as yams. True yams are starchy and less sweet, while sweet potatoes are soft and naturally sweet.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since canned sweet potatoes are already cooked.
Can I freeze candied yams?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the glaze from crystallizing?
Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the butter mixture and avoid overcooking the glaze.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but the sweetness is a key component of the dish’s flavor.
What can I serve with candied yams?
They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or fried chicken, and other Southern staples like collard greens or cornbread.
Can I add spices like cloves or allspice?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Why are my candied yams too watery?
This can happen if too much water is added. Stick to the recipe’s measurements and baste the yams with the syrup as they cook.
Conclusion
Southern Candied Yams are a timeless dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Whether you’re recreating cherished family traditions or exploring new favorites, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, caramelized sweetness of this Southern classic.
PrintBest Ever Southern Candied Yams
Southern candied yams are sweet potatoes slow-cooked in a buttery, sweet syrup until they’re tender and glazed to perfection. This dish is a staple in many Southern households, especially during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5 medium-sized)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice concentrate.
- Combine: Pour the syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Gently toss to distribute the syrup evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, gently stir the sweet potatoes to re-coat with the syrup, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the candied yams to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the syrup over the yams when plating.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, add a bit more orange juice concentrate.
- Adjust the spices to your preference; some variations include a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- This dish can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Reheat in the oven before serving.