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Classic Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Close-up of thick-cut, glossy southern candied yams coated in rich brown sugar glaze served on a white plate.
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Make the best homemade candied yams with this classic Southern recipe. You achieve a rich, buttery, caramelized glaze perfect for any holiday or Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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, water, 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. Carefully pour the hot glaze evenly over the yams in the baking dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized slightly. Baste the yams with the pan liquid halfway through this uncovered period.
  9. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a stovetop method, use a large, deep skillet. Cook the yams in the glaze over medium-low heat, covered, for about 20 minutes, then uncover and cook until the sauce thickens, turning the yams gently to coat.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the water with 1/4 cup of orange juice.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic sweet potato holiday side dish alternative to casserole.

Nutrition

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