Easy Candied Yams Recipe (Easy Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes Side Dish)
These Southern Candied Yams are a classic comfort food side dish made with tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich buttery brown sugar glaze. This traditional Southern recipe creates a thick caramel-like syrup that coats every bite.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds.
Arrange evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make The Glaze
In a bowl combine:
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Sprinkle mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
Add vanilla extract.
Place slices of butter evenly across the top.
Step 3: Bake
Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and carefully stir the sweet potatoes in the syrup.
Continue baking uncovered for 25-30 minutes until fork tender.
Step 4: Finish
Spoon the glaze over the sweet potatoes before serving.
Serve warm.
Tips For The Best Candied Yams
Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
Slice evenly for consistent cooking.
Don't skip the butter.
Baste with syrup before serving.
What To Serve With Candied Yams
Fried Chicken
Baked Ham
Turkey
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
These Southern Candied Yams are buttery, sweet, and loaded with comforting holiday flavor. They're a must-have side dish for any Southern family gathering. Flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, these yams are sweet, soft, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Sunday dinner.