Candied yams represent the heart of Southern comfort food, transforming simple sweet potatoes into a dish that’s part side and part dessert. This classic candied yams recipe combines tender, caramelized sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and warm spices that create an irresistible golden coating. Despite the name, this beloved dish actually uses sweet potatoes rather than true yams, following a long-standing American tradition. Serving 8 to 10 people generously, these candied yams are the perfect accompaniment to holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, and any meal that calls for a touch of sweet, comforting indulgence.
Serving Size: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Selecting and Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth-skinned, and free from soft spots or sprouting eyes. Medium to large sweet potatoes work best for this recipe as they hold their shape better during cooking and provide nice, substantial pieces in the finished dish.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, scrubbing away any dirt with a vegetable brush. You can peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds nutrition and helps the pieces hold together during baking. If you choose to peel them, use a sharp vegetable peeler and work carefully as sweet potatoes can be slippery.
Cut the sweet potatoes into rounds about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly. Arrange the sweet potato slices in overlapping layers in your prepared baking dish.
Creating the Sweet Glaze
The magic of candied yams lies in the rich, glossy glaze that coats each piece of sweet potato. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, and orange juice. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
Add the butter pieces to the saucepan and stir until they melt completely into the sugar mixture. The glaze should be smooth and glossy. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. If you’re using bourbon, add it now for an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Assembling and First Bake
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potato slices, making sure to coat as many pieces as possible. Use a spoon to drizzle any remaining glaze over spots that might have been missed.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the glaze that has accumulated in the bottom of the dish.
Continuing the Cooking Process
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the glaze. The sweet potatoes are done when they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork and the glaze has thickened and become golden brown around the edges.
During the final 5 minutes of baking, if you’re using mini marshmallows, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes. They’ll turn golden and slightly crispy on top while staying soft underneath.
Testing for Doneness
The candied yams are ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape, and the glaze has reduced to a thick, syrupy consistency that coats the sweet potatoes beautifully. The edges should be caramelized and golden brown, and the glaze should bubble gently around the sides of the dish.
If the glaze seems too thin, continue baking uncovered for a few more minutes. If it’s getting too dark before the sweet potatoes are tender, cover loosely with foil and continue cooking.
Resting and Final Preparation
Remove the candied yams from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the glaze to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier. The glaze will continue to coat the sweet potatoes and create that signature glossy finish.
Give the dish a final gentle stir or basting with the glaze to ensure all pieces are well coated before bringing it to the table.
Serving Suggestions
Candied yams are traditionally served as a side dish alongside roasted meats, particularly during holiday meals. They pair beautifully with turkey, ham, roasted chicken, or pork. The sweet, rich flavors provide a perfect contrast to savory main dishes and complement other traditional sides like stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
Serve the candied yams directly from the baking dish while they’re still warm. Provide a large spoon for serving, and make sure to scoop up plenty of that delicious glaze with each portion.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover candied yams will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in a covered container. To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
For longer storage, candied yams freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is perfect for make-ahead meal planning. You can assemble the entire dish up to one day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
You can also fully cook the candied yams ahead of time and reheat them before serving, though they’re definitely best when served fresh from the oven.
Variations and Personal Touches
While this classic recipe is perfect as written, there are several popular variations you might enjoy. Some cooks add chopped pecans for crunch, while others include a splash of maple syrup for even more complex sweetness. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add an unexpected but delicious kick that balances the sweetness.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter and brown sugar slightly, though the dish will be less rich and glossy. Some people prefer to use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
These classic candied yams bring together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, spiced glaze that creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This beloved dish continues to be a staple at family gatherings because it delivers both comfort and elegance in every spoonful.
