Sweet Southern Candied Yams Recipe for Holiday Tables

Southern candied yams dance across taste buds with rich, buttery sweetness that tells stories of generations past.

This classic side dish transforms simple sweet potatoes into a decadent comfort food sensation.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these tender, caramelized slices that melt in your mouth.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with brown sugar and butter, creating a nostalgic flavor profile that connects every bite to cherished memories.

Creamy yet crisp, these candied yams bring soul and tradition to any holiday table or weeknight dinner.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of sugary glaze and soft potato texture.

Dive into this soulful recipe and savor a slice of southern culinary heritage.

Steps To Make Southern Candied Yams Recipe Sweet And Buttery

• Syrup Preparation

Create a rich, golden sauce by combining sugars, butter, and warm spices in a pan. Gently heat the mixture until it transforms into a luxurious caramel-like liquid that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Sweet Potato Transformation

Slice your sweet potatoes into beautiful rounds, creating a canvas for the delectable syrup. Arrange them carefully in a cooking vessel that allows each piece to soak up maximum flavor.

• Slow Cooking Magic

Bathe the sweet potato slices in the luscious syrup, allowing them to simmer and absorb all the delightful sweetness. Cook slowly, turning occasionally to ensure each piece becomes tender and glazed with a beautiful caramel coating.

• Final Touch

Watch as the sweet potatoes develop a gorgeous golden-brown color and become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The syrup will thicken and create a glossy, irresistible finish that promises pure Southern comfort.

• Serving Sensation

Let the sweet potatoes rest briefly, allowing the syrup to set and intensify. Serve warm, inviting everyone to enjoy a taste of traditional Southern hospitality on their plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe Ingredients

• Yams: Choose firm, vibrant orange sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots for the best caramelized texture.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps create a silky smooth syrup.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Combine for complex caramel notes and glossy, thick coating.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the yams' natural sweetness and create a cozy southern flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a delicate, aromatic touch.

• Water: Helps dissolve sugars and create a luscious syrup.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.

Cooking Tools For Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Large Skillet or Baking Dish: Perfect for arranging yams in a single layer and cooking them evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for creating the delicious syrup with butter, sugars, and spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the syrup and gently mixing the yams while cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to peel and slice yams into uniform rounds.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing yams.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Foil (optional): Useful for covering the baking dish if using oven method.

Flavor Upgrades For Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Yam Perfection Secrets: Expert Cooking Tips & Delicious Variations
• Slice Selection Magic: Choose firm, orange-fleshed yams without bruises or soft spots for the most consistent and delectable candied texture. Medium-sized yams work best for even cooking and perfect caramelization.
• Sugar Syrup Brilliance: Create a glossier syrup by using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar, which adds deeper caramel notes and richer color to your candied yams. Slowly simmer the syrup to develop more complex flavors.
• Low and Slow Technique: Always cook yams at a gentle temperature to prevent burning and ensure each slice absorbs the sweet syrup completely. Stir occasionally to distribute heat and prevent sticking.
• Dietary Friendly Twist: For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Gluten-free diets can enjoy this recipe as-is since all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Reduce sugar for a diabetic-friendly alternative by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia.

Serving Southern Candied Yams Recipe On Special Days

• Sweet Sidekick Symphony: Pair these candied yams with classic southern mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or crispy fried chicken for a delightful flavor explosion.
• Holiday Dessert Transformation: Top the yams with marshmallows or pecan crumble just before serving, creating an instant dessert-like side dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Breakfast Remix Magic: Reheat leftover candied yams the next morning and serve alongside crispy bacon or as a unique topping for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, adding a sweet twist to your breakfast routine.
• Gourmet Garnish Adventure: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the finished yams for extra texture and a professional chef-inspired presentation that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Ideas For Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of candied yams and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight sides or holiday meal prep.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled candied yams in sealed containers for up to 4-5 days, keeping them fresh and ready for quick reheating in the microwave or oven.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack yams in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, which will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently rewarming.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining candied yams by mixing into morning oatmeal, blending into smoothies, or using as a sweet topping for pancakes or waffles for unexpected culinary creativity.

Mouthwatering Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern Candied Yams bring comfort and warmth to any holiday table. Sweet potatoes caramelize with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, creating a rich side dish that connects generations of Southern cooking.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Peel sweet potatoes into uniform half-inch medallions, ensuring consistent thickness for balanced cooking and caramelization.
2. Cookware Selection: Choose a large skillet or deep baking vessel that allows yams to rest in a single layer without overcrowding, promoting even heat distribution.
3. Syrup Creation: Melt butter over medium heat, gradually incorporating granulated and brown sugars to develop a rich caramel foundation. Whisk in warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, preventing sugar crystallization while building a complex flavor profile.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour water into the sugar mixture, stirring until ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy liquid with a slightly thickened consistency. Remove from heat and introduce vanilla extract, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse the caramel with depth and warmth.
5. Coating and Cooking: Cascade the spiced syrup over yam slices, ensuring complete coverage. For stovetop method, cover and simmer on low heat, periodically rotating yams to prevent sticking and promote uniform caramelization. Alternatively, for oven preparation, shield the baking dish with aluminum foil to create a steamy environment.
6. Final Stage: Cook until yams transform into tender, glistening morsels with a deep amber glaze, approximately 35-45 minutes. Uncover during the final cooking phase to allow syrup to reduce and develop a slightly crisp, caramelized exterior.
7. Serving: Let candied yams rest briefly, permitting the syrup to stabilize and intensify in flavor before serving warm.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform half-inch medallions to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization throughout the dish.
• Choose Wisely: Select a wide skillet or baking dish that allows yams to spread in a single layer, preventing overcrowding and promoting consistent heat distribution.
• Prevent Sugar Clumping: Whisk sugar mixture continuously over medium heat to avoid crystallization and create a smooth, glossy caramel base with complex flavor.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for a refined sugar-free adaptation that maintains the classic Southern candied yam essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 55 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg