Print

Classic Southern Candied Yams with Buttery Brown Sugar Glaze

Close-up of glossy, caramelized southern candied yams piled on a white plate near a window.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make authentic Southern candied yams with a tender texture and a rich, sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This recipe skips marshmallows for pure, buttery flavor, making it the ideal comfort food side dish for holidays or family dinners.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the sliced yams in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the yams in the baking dish.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil. Stir the yams gently to coat them in the developing syrup. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened and caramelized slightly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will thicken as it cools.

Notes

  • For the best texture, avoid slicing the yams too thin; 1/2 inch keeps them tender but not mushy.
  • If you prefer a stovetop method, simmer the glazed yams in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for 30 minutes, then uncover and cook until the sauce reduces to a thick syrup.
  • You can substitute maple syrup for some of the water for a deeper flavor, but adjust sugar slightly if needed.

Nutrition

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