Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Introduction

Southern candied yams are a classic comfort dish, perfect for holidays or any cozy meal. Sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, buttery sugar sauce create a luscious, flavorful treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften slightly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading the yams evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, basting the yams occasionally with the syrup to keep them moist and glossy.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground cloves to the syrup mixture.
• Use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned for the best texture and flavor.
• To make it vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and ensure brown sugar is vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water if the syrup has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare candied yams ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the yams and syrup, then refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure they are heated through.

Can I use regular white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is preferred for its molasses flavor, which adds richness and depth, but you can substitute with white sugar in a pinch—just note the flavor and color will be milder.

Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this Best Ever Southern Candied Yams recipe. Tender sweet potatoes are simmered in a buttery, spiced brown sugar glaze, then baked to perfection, creating a luscious side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting meal.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

Syrup Mixture

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the yams after simmering.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, brown sugar, unsalted butter, water, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract to create the flavorful syrup base.
3. Bring to Boil: Heat the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to start melding and the butter to melt.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to soften the sweet potatoes and thicken the syrup slightly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the entire mixture, including the sweet potatoes and syrup, into a baking dish to prepare for roasting.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup to keep the yams moist and flavorful.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the syrup set and flavors deepen.

Notes

• Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional if you prefer a more rustic texture and additional nutrients.
• Basting during baking helps to keep the yams moist and enhances the caramelized glaze.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of orange juice to the syrup mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Southern candied yams, sweet potato side dish, holiday yams, baked sweet potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, Southern comfort food