Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe to Savor Today Recipe

Introduction

Southern candied yams are a comforting and sweet side dish perfect for any holiday or family gathering. With tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.

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.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, basting occasionally.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground cloves.
• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream before baking.

Storage

Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Regular potatoes won’t have the same natural sweetness and flavor, so the dish will taste quite different. Sweet potatoes are recommended for authentic Southern candied yams.

Can I prepare candied yams ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the yams and sauce up to the simmering step, then refrigerate. When ready, transfer to a baking dish and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe to Savor Today Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 467 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Ever Southern Candied Yams recipe is a classic, soul-warming side dish perfect for holidays or any cozy meal. Sweet potatoes are simmered in a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, then baked to achieve a tender, caramelized finish bursting with deep Southern flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Yams and Sauce

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the yams after simmering.
2. Combine Ingredients in Pot: In a large pot, combine the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes, brown sugar, unsalted butter, water, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. This mixture will create the flavorful sauce for the yams.
3. Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the butter melts and sugars dissolve thoroughly.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the yams to begin softening and absorb the spices.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the entire yam and sauce mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce to keep the yams moist and enhance the caramelization process.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the baked yams from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

• Peeling the sweet potatoes helps achieve a smoother, more tender texture, but leaving the skin on can add extra nutrients and a rustic feel if preferred.
• For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular unsalted butter.
• If you like your yams sweeter or more spiced, adjust the brown sugar and cinnamon to your taste.
• Basting during baking is essential to keep the yams moist and encourage a glossy, caramelized coating.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and adds a delightful contrast to savory holiday plates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

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