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Southern Candied Yams

Southern Candied Yams


  • Author: easysweetmeal
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A true Southern classic, these candied yams are rich, buttery, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-spiced syrup. Perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners, they caramelize beautifully in the oven for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
    • Slice the peeled sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds.
    • Boil the slices in a large pot of water for 5 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Syrup:
    • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  • Combine and Bake:
    • Place the sweet potato slices in a large bowl and pour the syrup over them. Gently toss to coat.
    • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and gently toss the potatoes in the syrup to ensure even coating.
    • Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup is caramelized.
  • Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
  • If the syrup thickens too much during baking, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it.
  • Double the recipe for larger gatherings or holiday feasts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern