If you crave a dish that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia, then you’re in for a treat with this Southern Candied Yams Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings families together around the table, offering tender slices of sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious, buttery syrup infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange. This recipe balances the natural earthiness of yams with a sweet, spiced glaze that perfectly complements any holiday meal or cozy dinner. Trust me, once you try these Southern candied yams, they just might become your new favorite side dish to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Southern Candied Yams Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component plays a vital role: from the sweet potatoes providing hearty texture to the spices that give character and warmth, every item ensures your dish is full of flavor and color.
- 2 lb sweet potatoes: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and a soft, fluffy texture when cooked.
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar): Adds deep molasses undertones for a rich caramel flavor.
- 1 cup white sugar: Brings a bright, balanced sweetness that helps the syrup glaze nicely.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tsp nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp ginger: Injects a gentle zing that brightens and rounds out the spices.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds fragrant depth and a smooth finish to the syrup.
- 1 stick butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the syrup, making the yams irresistibly tender and glossy.
- 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed): Introduces a fresh citrus note that cuts through the sweetness and brightens the dish.
How to Make Southern Candied Yams Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients
Begin by scrubbing, peeling, and slicing your sweet potatoes into generous ½-inch rounds. This size helps the yams cook evenly while holding their shape. Place the sliced yams in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the butter, both sugars, thawed orange juice concentrate, and the fragrant spices. Stir everything together so the yams get fully coated in that rich, buttery sugar mixture, setting the stage for a luscious syrup to form.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
As the butter and sugars melt and mingle, they’ll start bubbling up into a thick, caramel-like syrup. Cover your pot and lower the heat slightly to let the yams simmer steadily for about 50 minutes. Resist the urge to rush and check occasionally by gently piercing a slice with a fork or tasting it for perfect tenderness. If the yams still hold firmness, give them a little extra simmer time. This slow cooking softens the sweet potatoes until they practically melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Thicken the Syrup
Once your yams are tender, remove the lid and turn the heat back to medium. Let that sticky, buttery syrup come to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally as it thickens and lovingly coats every yam slice—this step usually takes around 10 minutes. The syrup should cling beautifully, making each bite heavenly and rich. When ready, take the pot off the stove and keep it warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve, because these Southern candied yams truly shine when served warm.
How to Serve Southern Candied Yams Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few toasted pecans on top adds a lovely contrast in texture and a pop of color. You can even add a dash of cinnamon powder just before serving to amp up the spice aroma. These garnishes make the dish feel extra special and photo-worthy at your table.
Side Dishes
Southern candied yams pair beautifully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or fried chicken. Their sweet and spiced profile balances out savory, rich dishes perfectly. For a full southern feast, consider serving alongside collard greens, cornbread, or creamy mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the candied yams in a clear glass baking dish so those glossy slices show through, topped with a dusting of cinnamon. For a fun twist, spoon the yams into individual ramekins and garnish with a maraschino cherry or candied orange peel. It’s a charming way to elevate this humble dish for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family enjoys the yams, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the yams taste even better the next day. Use within 3 to 4 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Southern candied yams by placing cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen yams can stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftover yams slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to restore that silky syrup texture. Alternatively, microwave them in a covered dish in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the yams. Serve warm for that just-made comfort.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?
While regular potatoes are delicious, they don’t have the same natural sweetness as yams, so this will change the dish’s signature flavor. For an authentic Southern candied yams experience, stick with sweet potatoes to keep that perfect balance of sweet and spice.
Is it necessary to use both brown and white sugar?
Using a combination of brown and white sugar creates a richer flavor and texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth with its molasses content, while white sugar keeps the sweetness bright and balanced. You’ll notice this blend brings the syrup to life in the best way.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with your favorite plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your sugars are vegan-certified. The recipe will still be delightfully sweet and flavorful, allowing you to enjoy Southern candied yams with a vegan twist.
How do I know when the syrup is thick enough?
The syrup should be glossy and coat the yams without being runny. When you stir, it will cling to the back of your spoon and slowly drip off. If it looks watery, just continue simmering until it thickens. Patience in this step makes all the difference!
Can I add nuts or marshmallows to this recipe?
Absolutely! Some people love tossing in toasted pecans for crunch or topping the yams with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes under the broiler for a sweet, melty finish. These additions bring new textures and layers to classic Southern candied yams.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Southern Candied Yams Recipe a try. It’s such a heartfelt dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and comfort. Once you taste those tender yams coated in buttery, spiced syrup, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic in Southern kitchens far and wide. Happy cooking, and I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home too!
Print
Southern Candied Yams Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Southern Candied Yams are a classic comfort food featuring tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, buttery syrup made with brown and white sugars, warm spices, and a hint of orange juice concentrate. This sweet and flavorful side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy meal, offering a deliciously caramelized glaze that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the yams.
Ingredients
Yams and Syrup
- 2 lb sweet potatoes (yams), scrubbed, peeled, and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
Spices
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the yams: Scrub, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavors.
- Combine ingredients in pot: In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the sliced yams, butter, both sugars, orange juice concentrate, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the yams are thoroughly coated with the buttery sugar mixture.
- Simmer the yams: Once the butter and sugars melt and the mixture starts to bubble, cover the pot. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for about 50 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork. If they remain firm, continue simmering a bit longer.
- Thicken the syrup: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Allow the syrup to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats the yams nicely.
- Keep warm and serve: Remove the pot from heat and keep the yams warm in the oven until ready to serve. These candied yams are best enjoyed warm, as a deliciously sweet side dish.
Notes
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup during the simmering process.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Use fresh orange juice if frozen concentrate is unavailable, though the concentrate provides a more concentrated citrus flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
