Name: Best Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4-5 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup water

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Looking for the perfect holiday side dish? You have to try the Best Candied Yams Recipe! It brings out the best of sweet potatoes with a sweet syrup that caramelizes as it bakes, creating a classic holiday side dish. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or even Sunday dinner, these yams make any occasion feel extra special. They go perfectly with our Boneless Turkey Breast Roast.

Looking for more Southern Recipes? Check out our: Simple Macaroni and Tomatoes, Baked Beans with Ground Beef, and Tomato Gravy.

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This Candied Yams Recipe is the perfect make-ahead dish for your holiday table. No need to grab canned yams when you can make it with fresh sweet potatoes and control the ingredients yourself. The best part of this yam recipe is the buttery syrup and sugar mixture that coats every piece of sweet potato. It’s a classic Thanksgiving side that’s just sweet enough to complement all your southern side dishes. The candied mixture of butter, sugar, and spices gives it a rich, caramelized flavor that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.

What you’ll love about this Candied Yams Recipe:

Holiday Favorite: A southern staple and classic side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to any holiday meal.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Prepare and bake the day before, then reheat before serving for a stress-free holiday.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, and spices, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a rich, sweet side dish that everyone loves.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these amazing Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Medium Sweet potatoes
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Butter
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Salt
Water

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Sweet Potatoes: Choose bright orange flesh sweet potatoes, often labeled “yams” in the United States. Their natural sweetness caramelizes well.
White Sugar & Brown Sugar: This mix adds balanced sweetness and richness, with brown sugar giving a hint of molasses.
Water: Helps dissolve sugars and make the syrup. You can use orange juice for a hint of citrus.

HOW TO MAKE CANDIED YAMS STEP-BY-STEP:

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

STEP 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

STEP 2:
Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into 1/2-inch pieces. Layer the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

STEP 3:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve.

STEP 4:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract to complete the candied mixture.

STEP 5:
Pour the hot sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir, ensuring the sweet potatoes are well-coated.

STEP 6:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

STEP 7:
Remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the sauce from the bottom of the dish. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the syrup has thickened.

STEP 8:
Let the candied yams sit for about 10 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

STEP 3: Pour in the beef broth and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, around 5-7 minutes.

PRO TIP:

For extra caramelization, bake the yams uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. This allows the syrup to thicken and gives the yams a delicious, sticky glaze. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover candied yams in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen if dry. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Freezing: For the best texture, freezing is an option, but candied yams are generally best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

Orange Zest: Add a bit of grated orange zest to the syrup for a hint of citrusy brightness. It tastes so good!
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
Spices: Want a richer flavor? Add a little nutmeg or cloves for a festive touch that pairs perfectly with the sweet syrup.

FAQs about this recipe of Candied Yams from Sweet Potatoes:

Yes, you can make candied yams on the stovetop! Place all the ingredients in a large pot or large skillet over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender and the syrup thickens, about 30-40 minutes.

Yes, if you like candied yams with marshmallows topping, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

You can reduce the amount of sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet version of candied yams.

What Can I Serve with these Southern Candied Yams?

Serve these candied yams with classic holiday dishes like roast turkey, baked ham, or a simple roasted chicken. Serve with green beans, mashed potatoes, or stuffing for a complete Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try this Candied Yams Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!