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Baked candied yams with brown sugar and spices, a Southern classic side dish.

Candied Yams

A sweet and buttery side dish with a delicious caramel-like sauce that tastes like the holidays, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup butter Real butter for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar For caramel flavor
  • 1/4 cup white sugar Optional, to round out sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Warm and cozy flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg A pinch for warmth
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds bakery scent
  • 1 pinch salt Enhances flavor
  • 1/4 cup water or orange juice Helps create syrup

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Peel yams and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Lightly butter a 9x13 baking dish.
  4. Layer the yam slices in the dish.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
  2. Stir in brown sugar, white sugar (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and a splash of water or orange juice.
  3. Warm until glossy, then stir in vanilla.
Baking
  1. Pour the sauce over the yams, coating them well.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  3. Uncover and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, basting once or twice with the syrup.
  4. Yams are done when a fork slides in easily and sauce has thickened.

Notes

Slicing yams evenly prevents mushiness. Slow bake for tender texture. Cover initially with foil for steaming, then uncover to thicken the sauce. Nuts can be added on top for extra crunch.