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Classic Southern Candied Yams: The Best Ever Holiday Side Dish

Close-up of rich, glossy southern candied yams coated in dark brown sugar glaze served in a white oval baking dish.
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Make authentic Southern candied yams with this reliable recipe. You achieve tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery, caramelized brown sugar glaze, perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the yam slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Carefully pour the hot glaze evenly over the yam slices in the baking dish.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened and caramelized slightly. Baste the yams with the pan juices halfway through this uncovered period.
  10. Let the candied yams rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • For a stovetop method, simmer the glazed yams in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally until tender. Uncover and cook for 10 more minutes to reduce the sauce to a thick glaze.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, you can boil the yam slices for 5 minutes before arranging them in the baking dish.
  • This recipe uses yams, which are often labeled as sweet potatoes in US grocery stores. Use firm, uniform slices for even cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/southern-candied-yams-recipe/