Transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a magnificent holiday masterpiece with this authentic Southern candied yams recipe. Passed down through generations and perfected in professional kitchens, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet potato’s natural earthiness and a gloriously sticky, caramelized glaze. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving dinner or craving a cozy Sunday side dish, these candied yams will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

From its perfectly tender sweet potato slices to its shimmering amber glaze, this recipe combines time-honored techniques with modern precision. Our detailed guide ensures foolproof results that would make any Southern grandmother proud. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll master this beloved Southern classic that adapts beautifully to both intimate family dinners and grand holiday feasts.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Our carefully tested ratio of sweeteners and spices ensures a caramelized glaze that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the natural flavor of sweet potatoes. Each bite delivers the ideal harmony of flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare up to three days in advance without sacrificing quality – perfect for busy holiday planning. The flavors actually develop and improve with time.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, accessible ingredients makes this dish economical without compromising taste. Perfect for feeding large gatherings without breaking the bank.
• Crowd Favorite: Time-tested at countless family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Even sweet potato skeptics come back for seconds!
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items required.
• Customizable Toppings: From classic marshmallows to candied pecans, or even a streusel topping – make it your own while maintaining the authentic base recipe.

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Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

• For the Yams:

• 4pounds sweet potatoes/yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup orange juice

• Optional Topping:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

• ½ cup chopped pecans

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Directions

• – Prepare the Sweet Potatoes :
  Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch thick slices. To prevent them from browning, place the slices in a bowl of cold water until ready to use.
• – Par-boil the Potatoes :
  Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the sweet potato slices. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain the potatoes and arrange them in a baking dish.
• – Prepare the Glaze :
  Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the brown sugar and spices, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Next, add the maple syrup and orange juice, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors.
• – Assemble and Bake :
  Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, then cover the dish with foil. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, baste the potatoes with the glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until they are perfectly caramelized.
• – Add Toppings (Optional) :
  Add marshmallows and pecans on top of the baked sweet potatoes, then place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and slightly toasted. Watch carefully during this step to prevent the marshmallows from burning.

Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Yams Recipe

Selection Tips

• Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes
• Look for copper-colored skin
• Similar sizes ensure even cooking
• Fresh is always best

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Prepare up to 2 days in advance
• Store covered in refrigerator
• Reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
• Add toppings just before serving

Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows
• Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit sweetener and sugar-free maple syrup
• Nut-Free: Omit pecans or substitute with pumpkin seeds

Flavor Variations

• Bourbon Glazed: Add ¼ cup bourbon to glaze
• Coconut: Use coconut sugar and top with toasted coconut
• Apple Butter: Swirl in ¼ cup apple butter
• Praline: Top with crushed praline pecans

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze without toppings for up to 3 months
• Reheat covered until hot
• Add fresh toppings when serving

Kitchen Equipment Deep Dive

Essential Tools

• Heavy-bottom baking dish: Ensures even heat distribution
• Sharp vegetable peeler: For clean, efficient peeling
• Candy thermometer: Monitors glaze temperature
• Silicone brush: For perfect glaze application
• Mandoline: Optional for uniform slicing

Nice-to-Have Equipment

• Dutch oven: For parboiling
• Non-stick aluminum foil: Prevents glaze sticking
• Kitchen scale: Precise measurements
• Ceramic serving dish: Maintains temperature

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too Dry?

• Add more butter and glaze
• Cover while reheating
• Baste frequently during cooking

Too Sweet?

• Reduce sugar in glaze
• Add pinch of salt
• Balance with butter

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 cup)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 32g

Expert Tips from Our Test Kitchen

• Cut uniform sizes for even cooking
• Par-boil for perfect texture
• Baste every 15 minutes while baking
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving

Health Benefits

Nutritional Profile

• Beta-carotene: 214% DV per serving
• Vitamin C: 52% DV per serving
• Fiber: 6g per serving
• Potassium: 950mg per serving

Dietary Considerations

• Natural sweetness reduces added sugar need
• Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Rich in antioxidants
• Good source of minerals

Perfect Pairings

• Roasted turkey
• Glazed ham
• Green bean casserole
• Cornbread stuffing
• Salsa sauce

Share Your Creation!

Did you make these candied yams? We’d love to see your masterpiece! Tag us on Instagram @Wonder.Recipes or leave a comment below with your photos. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share your creative variations with our cooking community!