The Best Southern Candied Yams Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Sweet potatoes take center stage in this mouthwatering southern candied yams recipe that promises pure comfort.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic side dish bursting with warmth and nostalgia.

Buttery, caramelized edges complement the soft, tender potato interior with delightful contrast.

Rich brown sugar creates a golden glaze that hugs each slice of yam.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave delicate layers of flavor through this beloved southern staple.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and indulgent, these candied yams will steal the show at any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this irresistible southern delicacy.

FAQs

• Are candied yams the same as sweet potatoes?

Yes, candied yams are made using sweet potatoes. The term “yams” in Southern cooking often refers to sweet potatoes, which are cooked with a sweet, caramelized sugar syrup.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes if needed. Just drain them well and adjust cooking time since they’re already soft.

• Why do I need to pre-cook the sweet potatoes before baking?

Pre-cooking helps ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly cooked and tender. It allows the edges to soften while keeping the centers slightly firm, which helps them maintain their shape during the final baking process.

Sweet Southern Candied Yams Appeal

• Prepare this Southern classic with minimal steps, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques that even novice cooks can master.
• Enjoy a rich, sweet side dish that blends warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with caramelized sugars, creating a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, these candied yams appeal to all ages and complement various main courses with their irresistible sweetness.
• Watch ordinary sweet potatoes turn into a decadent treat through a simple cooking method that elevates their natural flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized coating.

All Ingredients for Southern Candied Yams

• Sweet Potatoes: Southern classic root vegetable that provides a soft, creamy texture and natural sweetness for this traditional dish.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, White Sugar: These ingredients create a rich, caramelized coating that transforms sweet potatoes into a decadent Southern side dish.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla Extract, Salt: These warm spices and extract add depth, complexity, and a comforting aroma to the candied yams.

Tools to Prep Southern Candied Yams

• Large Pot: Essential for pre-cooking sweet potato rounds with water.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating rich sugar syrup with butter and spices.
• Baking Dish: Ideal for transferring and baking sweet potatoes in caramelizing syrup.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice sweet potatoes into even, uniform rounds.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for gently stirring potatoes in sugar mixture without breaking them.
• Colander: Helpful for draining potatoes after initial boiling.

Southern Candied Yams How to Make Them

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven dial to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and toasty for our sweet potato magic.

Step 2: Prep The Sweet Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and slice them into beautiful round medallions.

Drop these slices into a large pot and cover completely with water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes.

You want the edges to soften slightly while keeping the centers slightly firm.

Once done, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.

Step 3: Create Decadent Caramel Goodness

• Butter
• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Cook this delightful mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugars completely melt and create a smooth, glossy syrup (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Marry The Potatoes With Syrup

Pour the warm caramel syrup over the sweet potato rounds.

Gently stir to ensure every slice gets a luxurious coating.

Transfer the coated potatoes to a baking dish and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Caramelize And Perfect

Remove the baking dish, carefully toss the potatoes in the syrup to redistribute the deliciousness.

Return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for tender potatoes with a beautifully caramelized syrup.

Step 6: Let The Flavors Settle

Allow the candied yams to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps the syrup thicken and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Insider Tips for Perfect Candied Yams

• Pat sweet potato rounds completely dry after boiling to ensure crisp edges and better syrup absorption.
• Stir sugar mixture constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and achieve smooth caramelization.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or orange zest to enhance the warm spice profile of the candied yams.
• Reduce butter and sugar quantities by 25% for a less decadent version without compromising the classic Southern taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the syrup's glossy texture and prevent drying out.

Flavor Variations for Candied Yams

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version that maintains rich, caramelized flavors.
• Spiced Citrus Variation: Add orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice to the sugar syrup for a bright, tangy complement to the sweet potatoes.
• Nutty Crunch Option: Sprinkle chopped pecans or candied walnuts on top before the final baking stage to introduce a crispy texture and nutty depth.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sweetness while keeping the classic Southern-style essence.

Serving Southern Candied Yams Just Right

• Sweet Holiday Feast Pairing: Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or crispy fried chicken for a traditional Southern holiday meal.
• Dessert-Style Presentation: Top with marshmallows or crushed pecans for added texture and a gourmet touch that elevates the classic candied yams.
• Brunch Transformation: Slice cold candied yams and reheat in a skillet, then serve with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a delightful morning twist.
• Leftover Magic: Blend cooled candied yams into a smoothie with vanilla yogurt and cinnamon for a sweet, nutritious breakfast or afternoon snack.

Keeping Southern Candied Yams Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer candied yams to freezer-safe container, keeping sauce intact. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to distribute warmth evenly. Add splash of water if sauce looks dry.
• Warm in 325-degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Stir gently halfway through reheating to maintain syrupy consistency.

Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet southern candied yams elevate classic comfort cuisine with caramelized brown sugar and warm spices. Creamy potato slices mingle with cinnamon and butter, creating a nostalgic side dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) sweet potatoes, peeled
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 1 stick) butter
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes by slicing them into uniform rounds, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
2. Submerge potato rounds in a large pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until edges soften while maintaining a slight firmness in the center. Carefully drain and return potatoes to the pot.
3. Create a rich caramel syrup by combining butter, sugars, warming spices, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Melt ingredients over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous, about 5 minutes.
4. Gently cascade the aromatic syrup over the partially cooked sweet potato rounds, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture.
5. Transfer the glazed potatoes to a baking dish and place in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and delicately redistribute the potatoes in the syrup to promote even caramelization.
6. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes achieve a deep golden color and the syrup transforms into a thick, glossy caramel.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the candied yams to rest for 5 minutes, permitting the syrup to slightly set and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• Parboil potatoes briefly to ensure a tender yet structured texture that holds up during caramelization.
• Use dark brown sugar for deeper, richer flavor complexity and enhanced caramel notes.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cinnamon and nutmeg to suit personal taste preferences.
• For a healthier version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar as a lower glycemic alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 51 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg