Southern Candied Yams

The very first time I tried yams, my grandmother made them, and I’ll never forget that moment. The aroma of butter and brown sugar filled her kitchen, and when I took that first bite, it was pure comfort.

Ever since then, I’ve been hooked. To me, candied yams are more than just a side dish. They’re a taste of home, tradition, and love.

This dish has been a Southern staple for generations. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Sunday dinner with family, candied yams always bring warmth to the table.

The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla gives them that cozy holiday flavor, while the butter and sugar create a rich, caramelized glaze that’s impossible to resist.

And the best part? They’re super easy to make with no fancy steps, just simple ingredients and slow baking that lets the flavors come together perfectly.

You can use either yams or sweet potatoes for this recipe, they both work beautifully.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes (or Yams) – The star of the recipe. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, creamy texture, and vibrant color. When baked, they become soft and absorb the rich buttery syrup, making every bite tender and flavorful. (In the South, “yams” and “sweet potatoes” are often used interchangeably.)

Ground Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor. It’s the signature spice in candied yams, balancing the sweetness with a cozy, aromatic note.

Nutmeg –Nutmeg gives a subtle nutty spice that enhances the cinnamon and rounds out the sweetness. A little goes a long way and it adds that classic holiday flavor.

Allspice –Allspice tastes like a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all in one. It gives the yams a deeper, more complex flavor that ties all the spices together.

Ground Cloves –Cloves add a bold, slightly peppery sweetness that complements the brown sugar glaze.

Orange Juice –A splash of orange juice brightens the dish with a hint of citrus. It balances the heavy sweetness of the sugars and butter while adding a touch of tangy flavor that keeps the glaze lively.

Vanilla Extract – Vanilla deepens the flavor of the syrup, adding richness and warmth. It enhances the caramel notes from the butter and sugar and makes the dish smell amazing.

Granulated Sugar –White sugar helps create that glossy, candied coating around the yams. It melts into the butter to form a smooth syrup that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

Brown Sugar (Light or Dark) -Brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness thanks to the molasses content. It creates a richer flavor and helps the sauce thicken into a luscious, caramel-like glaze.

Salted Butter – Butter is what makes the sauce silky and luxurious. The salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the spices. As it melts with the sugars, it forms a rich, buttery syrup that coats the yams perfectly.

How To Make Candied Yams

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)

Wash, peel, and slice your sweet potatoes into thick, even rounds. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.

2. Make the glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Once melted, add both sugars, orange juice, vanilla extract, and all the spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns smooth and syrupy.

3. Assemble

Arrange the sweet potato slices in a baking dish. Pour the warm glaze over the top, making sure every piece is well coated.

You can gently toss them with a spoon to help distribute the syrup evenly.

4. Bake covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This helps the potatoes soften while soaking up all that sweet, buttery flavor.

5. Finish uncovered

Remove the foil, spoon some of the syrup over the top, and continue baking uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the glaze has thickened into a caramel-like sauce.

6. Serve and enjoy

Let the yams cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The glaze will thicken as it cools. Each bite is soft, buttery, and full of warm spice.

Serving Ideas

Savory Meats

Salty main dishes like baked or fried chicken, honey-baked ham, roasted turkey, pork chops, or even barbecue ribs balances the sweetness of candied yams.

Classic Southern Sides

Pair with Collard greens, Cornbread dressing, Mac and Cheese, or green beans for a true soul food spread.

Holiday Favorites

They shine on Thanksgiving or Christmas tables alongside cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

1. Refrigerator

Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days in an air- tight container.

2. Freezer

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. For best texture, place them in a freezer-safe dish or bag, removing as much air as possible.

If freezing, let the yams thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps them stay tender and prevents the sauce from separating.

Tips for Reheating

In The Oven:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place yams and sauce in a baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
3. Heat for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.
4. For a caramelized finish, uncover for the last 5 minutes.

On the Stovetop:

1. Add yams and syrup to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir gently until hot, about 8–10 minutes.
3. If the syrup thickens too much, stir in a splash of orange juice or water to loosen it.

In the Microwave:

1. Place yams in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a lid or damp paper towel.
2. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each, until warm.

There’s just something about Southern Candied Yams! They bring people together.

Every time I make them, it reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, her laughter, and that feeling of home.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about memories. So if you’re looking for a comforting side that’s guaranteed to impress your family, this is the one.