There’s something truly special about Southern-Style Candied Yams. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a sweet, caramelized tradition that has been passed down through generations. Whether gracing holiday tables or adding warmth to a cozy family dinner, these yams bring a taste of Southern comfort and history with every bite. The tender sweet potatoes, bathed in a rich, buttery glaze, evoke memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal.
Candied yams have roots that trace back to the African diaspora, making them not just a delicious dish but also a cultural bridge connecting histories and flavors. Whether you’re looking to honor a tradition, enjoy a taste of the South, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, these yams are the perfect choice.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Southern staple, perfect for serving 4-6 people:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds): Peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. These are the heart of your dish.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Cut into pieces; this will melt into the syrup, creating that luscious glaze.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelization.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: For a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugars and create the syrup.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that classic spiced flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg goes a long way, adding warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Zest of 1/2 an orange (optional): Adds a subtle brightness that complements the rich sweetness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Candied Yams
Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Southern-style candied yams? Follow these steps for a dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Prep the sweet potatoes: Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. The even thickness ensures they cook uniformly, becoming perfectly tender.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
- Melt the butter: In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of water.
- Add the flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, zest half an orange into the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cook the syrup: Stir the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve, forming a smooth, fragrant syrup.
Step 3: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes
- Coat the sweet potatoes: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, ensuring they’re well coated with the syrup. The sweet potatoes should start to soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Simmer gently: Let the sweet potatoes simmer in the syrup for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to infuse the potatoes with flavor and start the cooking process.
Step 4: Bake the Yams
- Transfer to a baking dish: Carefully move the candied yams and all the syrup into a baking dish. Spread them out into an even layer to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking time softens the sweet potatoes.
- Uncover and continue baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. This allows the syrup to thicken and the sweet potatoes to become tender and caramelized. The syrup should reduce to a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the potatoes.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
- Let it cool slightly: Allow the candied yams to stand for a few minutes after baking. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools, becoming even more luscious.
- Serve and enjoy: Dish out the yams as a sweet and savory side that’s sure to be the highlight of any meal.
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
Candied yams are a versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to try:
Add a Spirited Twist
- Bourbon or Dark Rum: For a more complex flavor, stir a splash of bourbon or dark rum into the syrup mixture before adding the sweet potatoes. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, deep flavor that complements the sweetness of the yams.
Top with Crunch
- Pecans: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking. The nuts will toast in the oven, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender yams.
Make It Ahead
- Reheat and Repurpose: These candied yams reheat wonderfully, making them perfect for holiday prep. You can also repurpose leftovers into a sweet potato casserole or even use them to make pancakes the next morning.
Adjust the Sweetness
- Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Candied Yams
Southern-Style Candied Yams are rich, sweet, and perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted Turkey or Glazed Ham: These yams are a classic side for holiday meals, perfectly complementing the savory flavors of turkey or ham.
- Greens and Cornbread: Serve with collard or mustard greens and a side of buttery cornbread for a true Southern feast.
- Light Salad: A crisp garden salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the yams, adding freshness to your meal.
Final Thoughts
Southern-Style Candied Yams are more than just a dish—they’re a piece of culinary history, a comforting tradition that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, these yams are sure to become a favorite.
So, gather your ingredients, channel that Southern hospitality, and create a dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition. With each bite, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into making these sweet, tender yams. Happy cooking!
Southern-Style Candied Yams
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes about 3 lbs, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1/2 an orange optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Syrup: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest (if using). Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve to form a smooth syrup.
- Simmer the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the syrup. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the potatoes with flavor.
- Bake the Yams: Transfer the candied yams and all the syrup into a baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup has thickened into a rich, sticky glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the yams cool slightly before serving to allow the syrup to set. Enjoy as a sweet and savory side dish.