Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Introduction

Southern candied yams are a comforting and sweet side dish that perfectly complements any meal. This recipe brings together tender sweet potatoes soaked in a buttery, spiced syrup that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a classic treat you’ll want to savor all year round.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup to keep the yams moist and glossy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a pinch of ground cloves or a splash of orange juice to the syrup before baking.
• Use fresh grated nutmeg instead of ground for a more vibrant flavor.
• Try topping with chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delightful crunch.

Storage

Store candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a little water if the syrup has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for candied yams?

Regular potatoes don’t have the natural sweetness or texture of sweet potatoes, so they won’t work well as candied yams. For best results, stick with sweet potatoes.

How do I prevent the yams from drying out during baking?

Basting the yams occasionally with the syrup during baking helps keep them moist and flavorful. You can also cover the dish with foil if you notice the yams drying out too quickly.

Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Ever Southern Candied Yams recipe offers a deliciously sweet and fragrant side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting everyday meals. Tender sweet potatoes are simmered in a rich mixture of brown sugar, butter, warm spices, and vanilla, then baked to create a beautifully caramelized and flavorful treat.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the yams.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes with brown sugar, unsalted butter, water, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. This mix will infuse the yams with deep flavors.
3. Boil Mixture: Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat, which helps the sugar dissolve and the flavors to meld together.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This softens the sweet potatoes and allows the syrup to thicken slightly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the sweet potato and syrup mixture to a baking dish, spreading the yams evenly.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Baste the yams with the syrup occasionally to keep them moist and richly flavored while developing a caramelized surface.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the baked yams from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the syrup to set and flavors to settle.

Notes

• Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet dish.
• Basting is crucial to achieving a glossy, candied finish on the yams.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
• For extra richness, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the syrup before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: candied yams, sweet potatoes, southern recipe, holiday side dish, baked yams, sweet potato casserole