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Classic Oven-Baked Southern Candied Yams

A close-up of several thick slices of glistening, caramelized southern candied yams piled on a white plate.
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Follow these steps to make tender yams coated in a rich, sticky brown sugar and butter glaze, a traditional Southern side dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the yam slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and water.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve completely. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt.
  6. Carefully pour the hot glaze evenly over the yam slices in the baking dish.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil. Baste the yams with the pan liquid.
  10. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened and caramelized slightly.
  11. Spoon the remaining glaze over the yams before serving hot.

Notes

  • For a thicker glaze, remove the yams from the dish after baking and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency.
  • If you prefer a deeper color, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with maple syrup.
  • Use yams or sweet potatoes interchangeably for this recipe; the texture will be similar.

Nutrition

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