Candied Yams (Classic Sweet Potato Side Dish)

Candied Yams are a traditional Southern side dish made with sweet potatoes or yams, baked in a rich brown sugar and butter glaze. Often served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holiday meals.

🍠 Full Recipe

⏱ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 40–50 minutes

Yield: 6–8 servings

🧾 Ingredients

4–5 medium sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup water or orange juice
Optional: mini marshmallows for topping

🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds.
Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.

3️⃣ Make Glaze

In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in:
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- salt
- water (or orange juice)
Cook 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves and glaze is smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract.

4️⃣ Coat Sweet Potatoes

Pour the glaze evenly over sweet potatoes.
Gently stir or shake the pan to coat slices.

5️⃣ Bake

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and glaze is bubbly.

6️⃣ Optional Marshmallow Topping

Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top.
Bake 5 more minutes until marshmallows are melted and golden.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Candied Yams

✔ Use firm sweet potatoes for even cooking.
✔ Slice evenly to ensure uniform baking.
✔ Add a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.
✔ Let sit 5 minutes before serving to thicken the glaze.

🍠 Variations

Spiced Candied Yams

Add ½ tsp ground ginger or cloves to glaze.

Maple Glaze

Replace ¼ cup of brown sugar with maple syrup.

Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle pecans or walnuts over yams before baking.

🥄 Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.

✅ I can also provide:

Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams and Marshmallows
Slow Cooker Candied Yams
Vegan Candied Yams (using coconut oil and maple syrup).