Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 177 reviews

This Best Ever Southern Candied Yams recipe features sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, spiced syrup made with butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices. The yams are tender, flavorful, and optionally topped with melted miniature marshmallows, making it a classic comforting side dish popular in Southern soul food cuisine.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (3 – 3 ½ pounds)
  • 6 cups water (for soaking the potatoes once cut)

Syrup Glaze

  • 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

Optional Topping

  • 1 ½ cups marshmallows (miniature marshmallows for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thick, round wedges about ½ an inch thick to ensure even cooking and proper soaking.
  2. Soak Sweet Potatoes: Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl of cool water (6 cups) to soak and prevent browning while you prepare the candied syrup.
  3. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl using the microwave or stovetop to create the base for the syrup glaze.
  4. Mix Syrup Ingredients: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, minced ginger, ground cloves, and vanilla extract to the melted butter and mix thoroughly to form the sweet syrup.
  5. Drain Sweet Potatoes: Drain the soaked sweet potato rounds in a colander to remove excess water before cooking.
  6. Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the syrup glaze over the drained sweet potatoes and gently stir to evenly coat each piece with the flavorful syrup.
  7. Cook Yams: Place the coated sweet potatoes in a pot over medium-high heat and bring the syrup to a boil, ensuring the yams begin to absorb the flavors.
  8. Simmer Covered: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 50 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
  9. Uncover and Stir: Remove the lid and stir the yams to ensure all pieces are well coated with the syrup glaze for delicious, even flavor.
  10. Reduce Heat and Thicken: Lower the heat to medium and cook the yams uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the syrup and deepen the flavors.
  11. Finish Cooking: Turn off the stove and remove the pot from heat once the yams are perfectly tender and syrupy.
  12. Add Marshmallows (Optional): Sprinkle miniature marshmallows over the top of the yams, cover, and let sit for a few minutes until the marshmallows melt and become gooey.
  13. Serve: Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and enjoy this Southern soul food classic as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Soaking the sweet potatoes prevents discoloration and helps maintain texture.
  • Adjust sugar quantities to taste if you prefer a less sweet dish.
  • For a vegan option, use vegan butter and omit marshmallows or use vegan marshmallows.
  • Make sure not to overcook the yams to avoid them becoming mushy.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving turkey, ham, or any Southern-style meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/best-ever-southern-candied-yams-recipe/