BEST EVER SOUTHERN CANDIED YAMS RECIPE
These Southern candied yams are sweet, buttery, and tender. Glazed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and warm spices, they’re the ultimate comfort food side—perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any soul food spread.
Ingredients
- 4 large yams or sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer Yams:
- Place the sliced yams evenly in the baking dish.
Make the Syrup:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well combined.
Pour and Cover:
- Pour the hot syrup over the yams. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes covered. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, spooning syrup over the yams occasionally, until fork-tender and caramelized.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the syrup and slice the yams ahead of time. Store separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add a few orange zest strips or a splash of bourbon to the syrup for a flavour twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with ham, turkey, cornbread, or greens for a classic Southern meal.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.