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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/best-ever-southern-candied-yams-recipe/