Name: Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes (3 – 3 ½ pounds); 6 cups water (for soaking the potatoes once cut); ½ cup butter (unsalted butter, or vegan butter); ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup sugar (granulated); 2 teaspoons cinnamon (ground); ½ teaspoon nutmeg (ground); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon ginger (minced); ¼ teaspoon cloves (ground); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups marshmallows (miniature marshmallows for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 177 reviews

If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet, warm spices, and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture, look no further than the Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe. This classic soul food gem brings together tender sweet potatoes glazed in a rich, buttery syrup, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of maple syrup for depth. Whether you’re serving them up for a holiday feast or simply wanting a comforting side dish, this recipe will become your go-to for creating that authentic southern charm right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several peeled sweet potatoes placed on a white marbled surface with a colorful cloth underneath some of them. To the right, a wooden cutting board holds a black peeler resting on a pile of orange and dark brown potato peels. The texture of the sweet potatoes is smooth with some small dark spots, and the peels are thin and curly, scattered across the cutting board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet how crucial each one is to building that luscious, flavorful dish. Each component plays a vital role—the sweet potatoes provide the hearty base, while the blend of spices and sugars creates a perfectly balanced syrup that soaks into every tender bite.

Sweet potatoes (3 pounds): Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
Water (6 cups): Used for soaking the potatoes to prevent browning and keep them fresh.
Butter (½ cup): Unsalted or vegan butter adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the glaze.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a deep molasses flavor and natural sweetness to the syrup.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar with a clean, sweet taste.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings that warm, comforting spice essential for southern style yams.
Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, fragrant hint that complements cinnamon beautifully.
Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a layer of complexity and natural sweetness that elevates the dish.
Ginger (¼ teaspoon, minced): Gives a subtle spicy kick that brightens up the candied yams.
Cloves (¼ teaspoon): A pinch of ground cloves brings warmth and depth.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavors with a hint of floral sweetness.
Miniature marshmallows (1½ cups, optional): For a classic finishing touch that melts into a gooey, delightful topping.

How to Make Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes to ensure they’re clean and free of any dirt. Cut them into thick, round wedges about half an inch thick to allow even cooking, giving you that perfect tender bite that still holds its shape.

Step 2: Prevent Browning

Once cut, immerse the sweet potato rounds in a large bowl of cool water—6 quarts is ideal—to stop oxidation. This soaking step keeps them vibrant and fresh while you prepare the delicious syrup glaze.

Step 3: Make the Syrup Glaze

Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl, conveniently using the microwave for quick melting. Then add your brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, minced ginger, ground cloves, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together well to build that rich, spiced glaze that’s signature to this Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Drain the sweet potato wedges thoroughly in a colander before transferring them to your cooking pot. Pour the syrup glaze over the yams, stirring gently to coat each piece generously. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and let it simmer gently for 50 minutes until the yams are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 5: Finish Cooking and Optional Marshmallow Topping

After removing the lid, give the yams a good stir to ensure they’re fully enveloped by the syrup glaze. Lower the heat to medium and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to concentrate the syrup. For that extra indulgent touch, sprinkle miniature marshmallows over the top and let them melt before transferring everything to your serving dish.

How to Serve Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

A white plate with four food items is held by two woman's hands with pink nails and bracelets, placed on a white marbled surface. On the top right, there are five slices of light beige cooked meat arranged neatly. Below the meat, light green cooked cabbage fills a small area. On the left side, a pile of creamy yellow macaroni and cheese is placed. In the bottom center, there are thick, orange-brown cooked sweet potato pieces topped with small white marshmallows and a dash of seasoning. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your candied yams with miniature marshmallows adds a nostalgic, gooey layer that everyone loves. For an adult-friendly twist, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of extra maple syrup pairs beautifully and adds a lovely crunch or extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

These candied yams shine brightly alongside savory mains like glazed ham, fried chicken, or roasted turkey. Their sweet and warmly spiced profile complements classic southern sides such as collard greens, cornbread, or creamy macaroni and cheese perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe in a rustic baking dish for a cozy family-style meal or transfer them to elegant ramekins for a holiday dinner with a touch of sophistication. You can even layer them in a casserole with a crunchy pecan topping for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze candied yams by placing them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to cool completely before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to three months and are perfect for quick holiday meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat candied yams gently in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, stirring occasionally to redistribute the glaze. You can also microwave smaller portions on medium power, covering to keep moisture intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While regular potatoes can technically be used, they lack the natural sweetness that’s essential to the classic Southern candied yams flavor. Sweet potatoes provide the perfect foundation for this dish.

Is it necessary to soak the sweet potatoes in water?

Yes, soaking the cut yams prevents them from browning and keeps their texture fresh through the cooking process, ensuring a beautiful presentation and taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the butter for a vegan alternative, and ensure your marshmallows are vegan if you choose to include them. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave nectar work as excellent substitutes that still add sweetness and complexity to the glaze.

Should I add marshmallows if I want a healthier option?

The marshmallows are optional and mostly add sweetness and a fun texture. For a lighter version, simply skip them or replace with a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added nutrition and crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and joyous about making the Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe. With its beautifully balanced sweetness and warm spices, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite at your table. So go ahead and treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a little southern magic that will have everyone asking for seconds!