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Authentic Southern Candied Yams with Sticky Brown Sugar Glaze

Close-up of rich, glossy southern candied yams served in a white bowl.
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Make classic Southern candied yams that are tender and coated in a rich, buttery, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This traditional soul food side dish is perfect for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven and add enough water to cover them by about one inch.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender but still hold their shape. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
  3. In a separate small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugars are fully dissolved, creating a smooth syrup. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Pour the warm sugar glaze evenly over the drained sweet potatoes in the pot. Gently stir to coat all the slices.
  5. Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer if possible.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 30 to 40 minutes. Baste the yams with the pan juices every 10 minutes during baking.
  7. The yams are done when they are fully tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized around the edges. Serve this rich sweet side dish warm.

Notes

  • For a stovetop finish, after coating the yams, simmer gently over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring very carefully only once or twice to prevent breaking the slices.
  • You can prepare the glaze and coat the potatoes ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  • This recipe works well as a make ahead holiday side dish if you complete the baking step and reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

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