Description
This Southern Candied Yams recipe offers perfectly tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery, spiced brown sugar glaze. Baked to caramelized perfection, this comforting side dish combines warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract for a classic Southern sweet treat ideal for holiday meals or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
Glaze
- 5 tbsp salted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the yams.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes, rinse them thoroughly, then slice them into ½ to 1 inch thick circles. You may halve the rounds to fit them better in your baking dish.
- Grease baking dish: Grease a small baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes to combine and allow the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust spices if desired.
- Coat sweet potatoes: Arrange the sweet potato slices in the prepared dish and pour the warmed glaze evenly over them. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes while covered. This allows the yams to steam and become tender.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil, gently stir or toss the yams to coat them again with the glaze. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the sugars and develop a sticky glaze.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve with your favorite main courses and side dishes. Enjoy the sweet, spiced Southern classic!
Notes
- These southern candied yams are perfectly tender with the perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices that complement each other beautifully.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to personal taste for a more or less spiced flavor.
- Using salted butter adds a subtle savory contrast to the sweetness; unsalted butter can be used but you may want to adjust added salt accordingly.
- For extra richness, you can add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the glaze.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave and taste great the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 429 kcal
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 103 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
