Print

Classic Southern Baked Candied Yams

Close-up of thick-cut southern candied yams coated in a rich, dark, glossy brown sugar glaze, served in a white bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make authentic Southern candied yams with a rich, buttery, and sticky brown sugar glaze. This baked recipe delivers tender sweet potatoes perfect for any holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes (often called yams), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the glaze from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Carefully pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
  7. Dot the top of the sweet potatoes with any remaining pieces of butter.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened and caramelized. Baste the yams with the pan juices halfway through this uncovered period.
  11. Let the candied yams rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a stovetop variation, cook the glazed sweet potatoes in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken into a sticky glaze.
  • For a slow cooker method, place the sliced yams in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over them, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
  • Use real sweet potatoes for this recipe; they hold their shape better than true yams when baked.

Nutrition

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