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Classic Southern Candied Yams

Close-up of thick, glazed slices of southern candied yams piled on a white plate.
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Make traditional Southern candied yams with a rich, buttery, and sweet glaze. This recipe delivers tender yams coated in a sticky caramel sauce, perfect for holidays or any comfort meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Place the sliced yams in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the yams well.
  3. Arrange the partially cooked yam slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, water, corn syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes without stirring.
  6. Carefully pour the hot syrup mixture evenly over the yams in the baking dish.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven. Baste the yams with the liquid from the bottom of the pan.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the yams are tender and the glaze is thick and bubbly.
  10. Let the yams rest for 5 minutes before serving so the glaze sets slightly.

Notes

  • You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the syrup mixture longer on the stovetop before pouring it over the yams.
  • For a stovetop method, cook the yams in the syrup mixture over low heat in a covered, heavy-bottomed pot, stirring gently every 10 minutes until tender and glazed.

Nutrition

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