You want a side dish that’s buttery, sweet, and melts in your mouth? Let’s be real: Thanksgiving or not, candied yams hit different. This Southern candied yams recipe is the one that makes everyone ask for seconds. It’s so easy, even if you’ve never baked before, you’ll look like a pro. There are no uncommon ingredients and complicated steps.
Just the best recipe passed down from Mom’s kitchen—sweet potato candied yams soaked in a brown sugar butter sauce that caramelizes in the oven. So let us get started. You are about to learn an easy way to make candied yams.
What Are Candied Yams?
Candied yams are a classic Southern dish made with sweet potatoes (not true yams; let’s clear that up now). They’re peeled, sliced, and baked or simmered in a sauce made of
- Dark brown sugar
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
When cooked low and slow, they form a sticky, caramel-flavored sauce that’s rich, sweet, and deep with warm spices. This dish is a Thanksgiving side dish staple, but honestly, it deserves a year-round spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Just the Real Stuff)
Here’s what ingredients are required for this recipe—nothing weird, just real flavor.
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup salted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup water
This mix creates the buttery brown sugar sauce that makes homemade candied yams unforgettable.
How to Make Candied Yams (Step-by-Step)
Here we have explained a step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel the sweet potatoes.
- Slice them into ½-inch-thick rounds. Keep ‘em even for even cooking.
- Place them in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Now, you will melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan.
- After that you will add the water, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar.
- Instead of boiling, heat until everything is melted and combined.
Step 3: Pour and Layer
- Pour that warm, sweet brown sugar sauce over the sliced potatoes.
- Gently toss to coat every piece. You want that sauce evenly covering all the slices.
Step 4: Bake It Up
- After following the above step, you will bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove foil, baste with sauce, and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes.
- Potatoes should be fork-tender, soft, and glossy with that caramel glaze.
Stovetop Candied Yams (Quick Method)
Short on oven space during the holidays? Do this:
- Boil sweet potato slices until partially softened (about 10–12 minutes).
- Drain, then simmer them in the brown sugar butter sauce over medium-low heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the potatoes are tender.
Boom. Done on the stovetop. Still Southern comfort on a plate.
Why These Are the Best Candied Yams
- No marshmallows. (That’s sweet potato casserole. Different dish.)
- Dark brown sugar = richer caramel notes.
- Real vanilla extract, not fake syrup.
- Cinnamon + nutmeg = those warm, holiday spice vibes.
- As it bakes, the slowly melting butter cubes produce a viscous syrup.
This isn’t just a holiday side dish—it’s your new go-to comfort food.
How to Store Candied Yams
If you want to prep early and use frozen candied yams? Make a day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions. In case you want to use it after 2 or 3 days or one week, then
- Let them cool.
- Store in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
What to Serve with Candied Yams
This dish plays well with others. Try it with:
- Glazed baked ham
- Roast turkey
- Southern baked macaroni and cheese
- Collard greens
- Apple cake for dessert
Want to go full comfort food? On the table, set a casserole of sweet potato or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 2g |
Final Words
You don’t need a holiday to make candied yams. With buttery brown sugar sauce, warm spices, and fork-tender sweet potatoes, this is the side dish your table’s been waiting for. Want to impress your guests? Want that “mmm” moment with every bite? This is the dish.
FAQs
What are the ingredients for candied yams?
Candied yams are made with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
What are the ingredients in Bruce’s candied yams?
Bruce’s candied yams typically include sweet potatoes, cane sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and natural flavors.
What are yams made of?
Yams are starchy root vegetables with thick skin and mildly sweet flesh, often confused with sweet potatoes.
Where are candied yams from?
Candied yams are a traditional Southern U.S. dish with African-American roots, especially popular during holidays.
What’s another name for candied yams?
Candied yams are also known as sweet potato candied yams or just sweet holiday yams.
