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Southern Candied Yams

A classic Southern side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes (often called yams) coated in a rich, sweet syrup flavored with warm spices. This comforting dish is perfect for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving, or as a delicious accompaniment to any Southern-style dinner.
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Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time46 minutes
Servings:6
Course:Side Dish
Cuisine:Southern American
Calories:397
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 –5 medium sweet potatoes peeled and sliced ½-inch thick
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 –2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
  • 1 –2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Mini marshmallows optional

Equipment

  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Foil
  • Spoon/ladle (for basting)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13 dish.
  2. Layer sliced sweet potatoes in the dish.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (optional), and salt. Cook 4–6 minutes until glossy and bubbling.
  4. Pour glaze over potatoes. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
  5. Uncover, baste, and bake 10–15 minutes until fork-tender and syrup thickens.
  6. Stir in vanilla near the end. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
  7. Optional: add marshmallows during the last 5–8 minutes; broil 1–3 minutes to toast.

Notes

Slice ½-inch thick to prevent mushy texture.
For thicker syrup, bake uncovered at the end and rest 10 minutes.
Make-ahead: assemble + refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.