There’s something about the smell of brown sugar and cinnamon melting into butter that brings me back to my childhood. Growing up, Southern candied yams weren’t just a holiday side dish, they were a ritual. My grandma used to bake them slowly in the oven, basting each slice with that thick, sticky glaze until it clung to the sweet potatoes like syrup to pancakes. Now, I make them for my own family; especially my husband, who swears he could eat them as dessert. And maybe he’s right.
These yams are soft, buttery, and glazed in a caramel-like sauce that transforms an ordinary root into the heart of any soul food meal. Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner, a Sunday supper, or simply craving comfort food, this Southern candied yams recipe will hit the spot.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Southern Candied Yams Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and spiced
This recipe turns humble sweet potatoes into a rich, soulful masterpiece. You’ll love how the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg melt together into a luscious syrup that clings to each bite. The texture? Silky soft with just enough glaze to coat your spoon.
These yams pair beautifully with other Thanksgiving dishes. Try them with Roasted Turkey for the ultimate comfort plate.
Make-ahead friendly and crowd-pleasing
You can easily prep this the day before, and they taste even better the next day. Ideal for busy holiday cooks or meal preppers looking for an easy side dish that keeps its flavor and texture.
Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, a win for mixed diet gatherings.
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Southern Candied Yams
Southern Candied Yams are buttery, sweet, and tender sweet potatoes baked in a sticky brown sugar glaze. A classic soul food side dish for holidays and comfort dinners.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds. Arrange them in a buttered 9×13 baking dish.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until it becomes a smooth glaze.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure all are coated.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover, baste with glaze, and bake another 15–20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
You can prep this dish a day ahead and reheat before serving. Add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes for a sweeter twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, Soul Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Ingredients You’ll Need for Soul Food Candied Yams
Simple pantry staples with big flavor
Here’s what you need to make these classic Southern yams shine:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth
If you love this lineup of flavors, you might also enjoy these cozy Glazed Carrots; similar profile, different veggie, equally addictive.
Ingredient notes and swaps
No yams? No problem, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are what you want. Use vegan butter to make this dairy-free. Prefer a less-sweet version? Cut the sugars by ¼ cup each without sacrificing the syrupy goodness.
How to Make Southern Candied Yams from Scratch
Step-by-step directions for the best glazed yams
- Prep the potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thick, even rounds (about ½-inch). Place them in a buttered baking dish.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla.
- Pour and bake: Pour the hot syrup over the sweet potatoes, making sure they’re well-coated. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and baste: Remove foil, spoon some syrup over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
These steps are very similar to how I make my Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon & Honey, another must-try if you’re sweet potato obsessed like me.
Serving suggestions
Serve warm straight from the oven. These yams hold their own as a side, but don’t be surprised if someone sneaks seconds for dessert.
Tips and Variations for the Best Candied Yams
Secrets to deep flavor and perfect texture
- Slice evenly to cook uniformly. Too thick and they take longer; too thin and they may break apart.
- Don’t rush the glaze. Letting the sugars fully melt and caramelize gives the sauce that signature sticky-sweet depth.
- Layer well. If stacking in the dish, ensure glaze reaches all layers.
Fun twists on tradition
- Add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a subtle brightness.
- Top with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes for a fusion between yams and Sweet Potato. Much like I did in this Sweet Potato Casserole.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes! They actually taste better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge and reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through.
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably. True yams are starchier and less sweet; but for this dish, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes also work perfectly.
Can I freeze candied yams?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to preserve texture.
What meals go well with Southern candied yams?
They shine alongside Roasted Turkey during the holidays or pair beautifully with fried chicken, pork chops, or ham.
Conclusion: A Sweet Side That Steals the Show
Southern candied yams are more than just a holiday tradition; they’re a warm, sweet, stick-to-your-ribs side that brings comfort year-round. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can make a pan of golden, caramelized sweet potatoes that’ll win over even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, my husband usually saves his for last because he says they’re the best part.
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