Irresistible Candied Yams: Your Ultimate Guide to a Southern Classic

Transform ordinary sweet potatoes into an extraordinary side dish with this mouth-watering candied yams recipe. Perfectly caramelized and infused with warm spices, these glistening sweet potatoes are an essential component of any holiday feast, especially Thanksgiving dinner. But why limit such a delectable treat to just one season? Our recipe ensures you can savor the rich, sweet flavors of this Southern staple any time of the year.

While candied yams naturally shine as a star during the festive holiday season, for many, the allure of sweet potatoes extends far beyond. Their versatility and inherently sweet profile make them a cherished ingredient year-round. This particular recipe, with its delightfully sweet and comforting flavors, is an instant hit with everyone, especially the younger family members.

The Southern Secret to Perfect Candied Yams

My culinary journey and skills are deeply rooted in the traditions passed down through generations in the bayou state. The heart and soul of Southern cooking bring a unique depth and warmth to dishes, making them undeniably popular across the entire family. This candied yams recipe embodies that spirit, offering a comforting embrace with every spoonful.

What sets this recipe apart is its authentic Southern charm. It’s not just about sweetness; it’s about a harmonious blend of rich butter, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus that elevates the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. The result is a dish with perfectly tender yams enveloped in a thick, glossy, treacle-like glaze that truly sings of home and tradition. This is the kind of dish that sparks joy and creates lasting memories around the dining table, year after year.

Selecting the Best Sweet Potatoes or Yams

First, let’s clarify the “yam” vs. “sweet potato” debate. In the U.S., what we commonly refer to as “yams” in recipes like this are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, often Jewel or Garnet varieties. True yams are starchy tubers with rough, brown skin, quite different from the sweet, moist potatoes used here. For this recipe, look for firm, unblemished orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

• Firmness: Choose sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch, without any soft spots or blemishes.
• Skin: The skin should be smooth and even-toned. Avoid those with excessive sprouts or wrinkled skin, which can indicate age.
• Size: Medium-sized sweet potatoes are generally easier to peel and slice consistently.

The quality of your sweet potatoes directly impacts the final texture and flavor of your candied yams, so take a moment to select the best ones available.

Essential Ingredients for Candied Yams

Crafting these classic candied yams requires a short list of simple yet impactful ingredients that work together to create that unforgettable sweet and savory balance. The combination of sugars, rich butter, and aromatic spices perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the yams, while a hint of citrus brightens the entire dish.

For precise quantities and detailed measurements, please refer to the full recipe card below.

Candied Yams Recipe Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering candied yams is easier than you think! Follow these steps to create a show-stopping side dish that will earn you rave reviews. This is an overview of the key stages; for more detailed instructions and expert tips, please consult the complete recipe card found at the bottom of this post.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Candied Yams

Pro Tip: Due to the high temperature of the hot sugar glaze, the yams will continue to cook as they simmer. It’s crucial to slice your yams to a consistent thickness (at least ½ inch) to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy. Also, remember to stir gently and infrequently during the simmering process; over-stirring can cause the tender yam slices to break apart.

• Consistent Slicing: Uniformly sliced yams cook evenly, ensuring every piece has the perfect tender texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Give your yams space to simmer. If your pot is too full, cook in batches or use a larger vessel to ensure proper circulation and even glazing.
• Achieve the Perfect Glaze: The reduction step for the glaze is key. Don’t rush it. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon and has a syrupy consistency. This rich, thick glaze is what makes candied yams truly special.
• Balance the Sweetness: Taste your glaze before adding the yams. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can slightly reduce the sugar or add an extra squeeze of orange juice for brightness.
• Gentle Handling: As yams become tender, they also become delicate. Use a slotted spoon for transfer and avoid aggressive stirring to maintain their shape.

Recipe Variations and Delicious Substitute Ideas

While this classic candied yams recipe is perfect as is, there are many ways to customize it to your taste or adapt it based on what you have on hand. Get creative and make it your own!

• Warm Spices Elevated – Instead of a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend, you can create your own custom warm spice profile. A mixture of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, a touch of ground ginger, and a pinch of allspice will replicate and even enhance the flavors, allowing you to adjust the ratios to your preference. Consider adding a tiny pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
• A Pinch of Salt – If you opt for unsalted butter, remember to add a pinch or two of salt to the recipe. Salt doesn’t just make things salty; it’s a vital flavor enhancer that beautifully balances and brightens the sweetness of this dish, preventing it from being cloyingly sweet.
• Marshmallow Magic – For a classic sweet potato casserole vibe, incorporate marshmallows. You could either stir mini marshmallows into the hot yam mixture just before serving, allowing them to melt into gooey pockets, or arrange a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the transferred yams in a baking dish and briefly brown them under a broiler until golden and toasty.
• Rich Dark Brown Sugar – While light brown sugar offers a delicate caramel note, using dark brown sugar will impart a deeper, more robust molasses flavor to your glaze. If substituting, you might consider slightly reducing the overall sugar content as dark brown sugar tends to be more intensely flavored.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange along with the juice for an extra burst of bright, fresh citrus aroma that complements the sweetness and spices. Lemon zest can also offer a lovely counterpoint.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of simmering, or sprinkle them on top before serving for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
• A Touch of Maple: Substitute a portion of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a more complex, earthy sweetness.
• Vanilla Bean: For an extra luxurious touch, scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean into the glaze mixture instead of using extract.

Necessary Gear: Essential Equipment for Candied Yams

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You don’t need a lot of specialized equipment to make these delicious candied yams. Here’s what you’ll need for a smooth cooking process:

• Vegetable Peeler or Sharp Knife: Essential for efficiently peeling the sweet potatoes. A good peeler makes quick work of it, while a sharp chef’s knife allows for precise slicing.
• Large Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan with a Lid: A 4.5-quart (or similar size) pot is ideal for making the glaze and simmering the yams. The heavy bottom helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking, while a tight-fitting lid is crucial for steaming the yams to tenderness.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for carefully transferring the tender yam slices from the pot to your serving dish without breaking them, leaving the excess glaze behind to be reduced.
• Serving Dish or Casserole Dish (11×7 inches): A beautiful dish to present your finished candied yams. An 11×7-inch size is generally suitable for a batch serving 6-8 people. If you plan to add marshmallows and bake, ensure it’s oven-safe.
• Whisk or Spoon: For stirring the glaze ingredients together as they heat and dissolve.

Having these simple tools on hand will ensure your candied yams turn out perfectly every time.

More Thanksgiving Recipes and Holiday Favorites You’ll Adore

Candied yams are just one star of the holiday table! If you’re planning a festive spread, be sure to explore these other incredible recipes that complement this dish beautifully and complete your holiday meal:

• Deep Fried Turkey: The ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast, crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy within.
• Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens: A soulful and flavorful classic, perfect for good luck and deliciousness.
• Homemade Dried Cranberry Sauce: A vibrant, tangy, and sweet condiment that perfectly cuts through rich holiday flavors.
• Emeril’s Baked Oyster Dressing: A rich and savory stuffing with a delightful seafood twist, a true Southern delicacy.

And for dessert, don’t miss out on my irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Cake or my comforting Amish Pumpkin Pie (they’re both absolutely divine and perfect for a sweet ending!)

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Candied Yams

Candied yams are often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Proper storage ensures they remain delicious.

• Refrigeration: Once your candied yams have completely cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or cover the serving dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, candied yams can be frozen. Place cooled yams in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: For individual servings, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warmed through.
  • Oven: For larger portions, transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you desire a slightly crispier top.
  • Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water or orange juice if the glaze seems too thick.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes: The Glaze is Key!

Seriously, do not skip or rush the process of reducing that brown sugar glaze! This step is paramount. It concentrates the flavors, creating a wonderfully thick, shiny, and syrupy texture that coats each yam perfectly and truly brings the entire dish together. It’s what transforms good candied yams into unforgettable candied yams!

If you’ve tried this Candied Yams Recipe or any other fantastic recipe on my site, please let me know how it turned out in the comment section below. We absolutely love hearing from our readers and cherish your feedback!

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Classic Candied Yams Recipe

Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion with this simple yet mouth-watering candied yams recipe, prepared easily on the stovetop. This Southern classic promises a rich, sweet, and comforting side dish that everyone will adore.

Recipe Details

Servings: 6 people
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Author: Melanie Cagle

Equipment

• 1 4.5 Quart Pot (with lid)
• 1 Baking Dish (11″x7″)
• Vegetable Peeler or Sharp Knife
• Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds Yams (or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into ½” coins
• 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Juice of 1 Orange (about ¼ cup)

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the yams (sweet potatoes) into consistent ½” slices or coins.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the salted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Place over medium-high heat and stir well until all ingredients are combined and the sugars have dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add the sliced yams to the sugar butter mixture. Gently toss to ensure all yam slices are thoroughly coated with the syrup.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a high simmer. Allow the yams to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring very gently halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, but be careful not to break the tender yams.
5. Once the yams are fork-tender, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the pot and transfer them to an 11×7″ baking or serving dish.
6. Continue to cook down the remaining sugar mixture in the pot, uncovered, over medium heat. Let it simmer and reduce until it thickens into a rich, treacle-like syrup. This should take about 5-10 minutes, depending on the heat.
7. Generously pour the thickened, glossy glaze over the top of the tender candied yams in the serving dish. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

To keep the yams from breaking apart too much, avoid excessive stirring. If your pot has handles, you can gently shake it occasionally to move the yams around and prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information (per serving)