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Classic Southern Baked Candied Yams with Buttery Brown Sugar Glaze

A stack of thick, round southern candied yams glistening with rich, amber glaze on a white plate.
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Make authentic Southern Candied Yams using sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. This classic soul food side dish is simple to prepare and perfect for holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes (or yams), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugars are fully dissolved. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is your homemade holiday glaze.
  5. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil. Baste the yams with the glaze from the bottom of the pan.
  9. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened and caramelized slightly.
  10. Let the yams rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra glaze over the top.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and texture, use real yams or firm sweet potatoes. Avoid using canned yams if you want an authentic result.
  • If you prefer a stovetop method, you can simmer the glazed yams in a large skillet over medium-low heat, covered, until tender, turning occasionally to coat.
  • To achieve a thicker, stickier glaze, you can remove the yams from the oven during the last 10 minutes of baking and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to allow the sauce to reduce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/southern-candied-yams-recipe/