The Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with this incredible southern candied yams that melt in your mouth like sugary clouds.

southern cooking carries deep traditions of comfort and love from generations past.

Pulling a steaming dish from the oven, filled with caramelized orange-gold slices coated in rich, buttery syrup.

Tender sweet potatoes absorb warm spices that dance across your taste buds with every forkful.

Maple undertones and hints of cinnamon create a luxurious backdrop for this classic southern side dish.

Weekend gatherings deserve something special that connects you to cherished culinary heritage.

Grab a spoon and let nostalgia guide you through this delightful recipe that promises pure southern comfort.

Helpful Tips For Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Slice Strategically: Cut yams into even, uniform rounds to guarantee consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
• Control Caramelization: Watch the syrup closely while cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown glaze without burning the sugars, which can create a bitter taste.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar quantities based on personal preference or dietary needs, using alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet or generously butter your baking dish to ensure easy serving and minimal cleanup after cooking.
• Boost Nutrition: Consider leaving some skin on the yams to retain extra nutrients and fiber, adding a rustic touch to the classic southern side dish.

How To Store And Reheat Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover candied yams to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavor.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm yams in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Drizzle a splash of water or extra syrup to restore moisture and enhance taste.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water to keep the yams soft and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Freezing Tips: Freeze candied yams in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their original texture and sweetness.

Great Side Dishes For Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Craft a Cozy Comfort Pairing: Serve these candied yams alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a heartwarming Southern-style dinner that celebrates rich, sweet flavors.
• Elevate with Beverage Harmony: Pour a chilled glass of sweet tea or a smooth bourbon cocktail to complement the caramelized sweetness and warm spices of the yams.
• Balance with Fresh Contrasts: Add a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts to cut through the dish's intense sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Dessert Companion Magic: Top the candied yams with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or pair with a light pecan pie to create a decadent finale to your meal that highlights the recipe's warm, comforting notes.

Flavor Ideas For Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Maple Pecan Southern Yams: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before final cooking for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Spiced Rum Caribbean Yams: Add 2 tablespoons dark rum to the syrup and include ground ginger for a warm, exotic Caribbean-inspired version that brings complex depth.
• Orange Zest Candied Yams: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the syrup and add a splash of orange juice to create a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Bourbon Brown Sugar Yams: Swap water with bourbon whiskey and increase brown sugar slightly for a more robust, sophisticated southern-style preparation that enhances the caramelization.

FAQs For Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Are candied yams the same as sweet potatoes?

Candied yams are typically made with sweet potatoes, but they’re prepared differently. This recipe transforms sweet potatoes into a decadent dessert-like side dish with a rich, caramelized sugar coating.

• Can I use canned yams instead of fresh?

While fresh yams are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned yams in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them completely and reduce cooking time since they’re already soft.

• How do I know when the yams are perfectly cooked?

The yams are done when they’re fork-tender and have a deep golden color. The syrup should be thick and glossy, coating the yams in a rich, caramelized glaze. They should be soft but not mushy.

• Is this recipe traditionally Southern?

Absolutely! Candied yams are a classic Southern holiday side dish, especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a beloved recipe that brings comfort and sweet memories to many Southern dinner tables.

Why Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe Is Sweet And Cozy

• Savor Sweet Southern Comfort: These candied yams deliver a mouthwatering blend of sugary warmth with traditional Southern hospitality, creating a classic side dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Master Effortless Culinary Magic: The recipe offers simple cooking techniques that transform basic yams into a luxurious dish with minimal effort, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality results without complex skills.
• Celebrate Versatile Holiday Perfection: Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, these yams transition seamlessly between casual family meals and elegant celebrations, making them a crowd-pleasing classic that suits every occasion.
• Enjoy Rich Textural Delight: The combination of tender yam slices and thick, caramelized syrup creates an irresistible contrast between soft, creamy interiors and glossy, slightly crisp exterior that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Everything Needed For Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

• Yams: Sweet, orange root vegetable with a soft texture perfect for candying, best when fresh and firm with smooth skin.
• Sweet Potatoes: Excellent alternative to yams, rich in nutrients and natural sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide deep caramel-like sweetness and help create thick, glossy syrup.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugars and create smooth syrup consistency.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create smooth caramel-like sauce.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the natural sweetness of yams, classic Southern baking spices.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

How To Bake Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Slice Sweet Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and transform them into beautiful, even rounds. Use a sharp knife to create uniform slices about half an inch thick. Spread these golden medallions in a large skillet or baking dish, creating a single delicious layer.

Step 2: Craft Magical Caramel Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Water
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Stir this heavenly mixture constantly, watching it transform into a luscious caramel. When the sugars dissolve and the sauce thickens slightly, pull it off the heat. Splash in vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Bathe Sweet Potatoes in Sweetness

Pour the stunning caramel sauce over the sweet potato rounds. Make sure each slice gets a luxurious coating of the golden goodness.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Adventure

Stovetop Method:

Cover the skillet and let the sweet potatoes simmer on medium-low heat. Gently stir every so often to ensure even cooking. Cook for 35-40 minutes until potatoes are tender and sauce becomes gloriously thick.

Oven Method:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F. After 25 minutes, remove foil and let the edges caramelize. Total baking time is 40-50 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and surrounded by a rich, glossy sauce, they’re ready. Let them rest for a few minutes to absorb all those incredible flavors. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet potato lovers rejoice as Southern Candied Yams deliver pure comfort on a plate. Caramelized golden slices glazed with brown sugar and cinnamon promise a mouthwatering side dish that connects family and tradition with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

Fats and Liquids:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Carefully peel sweet potatoes and slice into consistent half-inch medallions, ensuring uniform thickness for balanced cooking and caramelization.
2. Select a large skillet or deep baking vessel that allows yams to rest in a single layer without overcrowding, promoting even heat distribution.
3. Craft a luxurious syrup by melting butter over medium flame, gradually incorporating granulated and brown sugars, creating a rich caramel base.
4. Enhance the syrup with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, whisking continuously to prevent sugar crystallization and develop a complex flavor profile.
5. Add water to the sugar mixture, stirring until ingredients meld into a smooth, glossy liquid with a slightly thickened consistency.
6. Remove syrup from heat and introduce vanilla extract, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse the caramel with depth and warmth.
7. Gently cascade the spiced syrup over yam slices, ensuring each piece receives an even, luxurious coating.
8. For stovetop preparation, cover the skillet and simmer on low heat, periodically rotating yams to prevent sticking and promote uniform caramelization.
9. Alternatively, for oven method, shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment that tenderizes the yams.
10. Bake or simmer until yams transform into tender, glistening morsels with a deep amber glaze, approximately 35-45 minutes.
11. During final cooking stage, uncover to allow syrup to reduce and develop a slightly crisp, caramelized exterior.
12. Allow candied yams to rest briefly, permitting the syrup to stabilize and intensify in flavor before serving warm.

Notes

• Slice yams uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Opt for fresh, firm yams with smooth skin to ensure the best texture and sweetness in your final dish.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting some granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more complex flavor profile.
• Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving, adding crunch and healthy fats.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 49 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg