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Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

Southern Candied Yams are a classic, comforting side dish made with tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery mixture of brown and granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a staple for holiday meals and family dinners.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)

Syrup Mixture

  • 5 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the yams.
  2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and rinse them thoroughly. Slice them into ½ inch to 1 inch thick circles. If needed, cut the circles in half so they fit neatly into your baking dish.
  3. Grease the Baking Dish: Use some butter to grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  4. Make the Syrup Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, reduce the heat to medium-low and add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the spices to your taste and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
  5. Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Pour the syrupy mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
  6. Bake Covered: Bake the yams in the preheated oven at 400°F for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes and infuse them with the syrup flavor.
  7. Bake Uncovered: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and gently stir or move the sweet potatoes around. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the topping and add a slight crispness.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm with your favorite main dishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use salted butter for the best balanced flavor; if using unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the syrup mixture.
  • You can adjust the spices to taste—add more cinnamon or nutmeg if preferred.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the syrup mixture.
  • Covering the dish initially helps keep the yams moist and tender.
  • Use a shallow baking dish to allow even cooking and caramelization.

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