Southern Candied Yams Recipe
This classic Southern candied yams recipe features tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze with warm spices and vanilla for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Equipment
- baking dish
- small saucepan
- stove
- Oven
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds), peeled and sliced
- 5 tbsp salted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the dish.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, gently tossing to coat.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, gently stir, increase oven temperature to 425°F, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until caramelized.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve warm.
Notes
Slice sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking and use a snug baking dish to prevent excess liquid. The glaze thickens as it cools, so avoid overbaking uncovered. Best flavor comes from fresh sweet potatoes.