Southern candied yams are the kind of comforting side dish that instantly makes a meal feel special. Tender slices of sweet potato are baked in a rich sweet buttery glaze made with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. As they bake, the sauce thickens into a glossy syrup that coats every piece, creating a warm, sweet, and cozy dish that belongs on any holiday table or Sunday dinner spread.
Why I Love Candied Yams
This Southern candied yams recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. Sweet potatoes already have a beautiful natural sweetness, but when they are baked with butter, sugar, and warm spices, they become soft, caramelized, and full of flavor. The edges turn tender, the syrup settles into the dish, and every bite tastes like classic comfort food.
Candied yams have always been one of those side dishes that feel just as important as the main course. They bring balance to a savory plate and pair especially well with holiday favorites, baked meats, greens, dressing, and creamy mac and cheese. The sweet glaze next to rich, savory sides is part of what makes this dish so loved.
Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. There is no complicated technique and no long list of unusual ingredients. You simply slice the sweet potatoes, make a buttery sugar mixture on the stove, pour it over the potatoes, and let the oven do the rest. The result is a pan of Southern-style candied yams with a tender texture, a spiced caramel-like glaze, and a homemade flavor that always stands out.
Ingredients for Southern Candied Yams Recipe
- Sweet potatoes: The base of the recipe. They bake until tender and absorb the buttery brown sugar glaze beautifully.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful syrup. The salt also balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Gives the yams that warm, classic flavor that makes this dish taste comforting and familiar.
- Nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle spice note. A small amount is enough to enhance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel flavor and helps form the glossy candied glaze.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and blends with the brown sugar for a balanced sauce.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and makes the glaze taste smooth and fragrant.
The full written recipe with exact measurements is included in the recipe card below.
How to Make Southern Style Candied Yams
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a small baking dish with butter so the sweet potatoes do not stick and the glaze can bake evenly around them.
Peel the sweet potatoes, rinse them well, and slice them into rounds about ½ inch to 1 inch thick. If the slices are large, you can cut them in half so they fit neatly in the baking dish. Arrange the sweet potatoes in an even layer so the glaze can coat them well as they bake.
Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture for a few minutes, just until everything is combined and the sugars begin to dissolve into the butter.
Pour the warm butter and sugar mixture evenly over the sliced sweet potatoes. Gently move the potatoes around so the glaze reaches as many pieces as possible. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This covered baking time helps the sweet potatoes soften and absorb the sweet, spiced sauce.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and carefully stir the sweet potatoes in the glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. This final bake helps the syrup thicken and gives the candied yams a beautiful caramelized finish.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. These Southern candied yams are best served warm, with plenty of the buttery cinnamon glaze spooned over the top.
Recipe Tip
For a brighter flavor, add a small squeeze of orange juice to the butter and sugar mixture. This step is optional, but it can help bring out the warm spices and natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes. Prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, cover it, and refrigerate it. Reheat the yams in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat them in the oven.
Yes. If you use unsalted butter, add a small pinch of salt to the sauce to help balance the sweetness.
Check Out More Holiday Recipes
Potato Salad
Corn Casserole
Deviled Eggs Recipe
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
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Southern Candied Yams
Ingredients
- 3 sweet potatoes, about 1.5 pounds
- 5 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Peel the sweet potatoes, rinse them, and cut them into ½-inch to 1-inch thick rounds. Cut larger rounds in half if needed to fit your baking dish.
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Grease a small baking dish with butter and arrange the sweet potatoes in the dish.
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir for about 3 minutes, until combined.
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Pour the mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and cover the dish with foil.
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Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, gently stir the potatoes in the glaze, increase the oven temperature to 425°F, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
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Let the candied yams cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite main dish and sides.
Notes
This recipe makes about 4 small servings. Add another sweet potato and an extra tablespoon of butter if you want a larger batch.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 74g
| Protein: 3g
| Fat: 14g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.