Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Introduction

Southern Candied Yams are a beloved classic, perfect for holidays or any comforting meal. Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, these yams simmer low and slow until tender and luxuriously coated in a rich syrup.

Ingredients

• 2 lb sweet potatoes
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 stick butter
• 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Scrub, peel, and slice the yams into ½-inch rounds. In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the sliced yams, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, orange juice concentrate, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the yams are well coated in the buttery sugar mixture.
2. Step 2: Once the butter and sugars melt and start bubbling (forming a thick syrup), cover the pot and let the yams simmer gently for about 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. If the yams are still firm, continue cooking a little longer.
3. Step 3: Remove the lid and set the heat to medium. Let the syrup come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, until it thickens and coats the yams. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve. These yams taste best served warm.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of cloves for a deeper warm spice flavor.
• Use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate for a brighter citrus note.
• Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered a bit longer until syrupy.

Storage

Store any leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the syrup has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While regular potatoes have a different flavor and texture, this recipe is designed specifically for sweet potatoes which provide natural sweetness and softness after cooking.

What if my syrup doesn’t thicken?

If the syrup remains thin, continue to simmer uncovered on medium heat, stirring frequently until it reduces to your desired thickness.

Southern Candied Yams Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

This classic Southern Candied Yams recipe features tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, buttery syrup made with brown and white sugars, warm spices, vanilla, and a touch of orange juice concentrate. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or family dinners, these yams are sweet, flavorful, and wonderfully caramelized.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes

• 2 lb sweet potatoes

Syrup and Seasoning

• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 stick butter (4 oz)
• 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yams: Scrub, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of the syrup later on.
2. Combine Ingredients in Pot: In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the sliced yams, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, thawed orange juice concentrate, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the yams are well coated and the butter and sugars begin to melt together.
3. Simmer the Yams: Once the butter and sugars have melted and the mixture starts bubbling like a thick syrup, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let the yams simmer gently for about 50 minutes. Check tenderness by piercing the yams with a fork; if still firm, continue simmering until soft.
4. Thicken the Syrup: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the syrup come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. This step thickens the syrup to a glaze that will coat the yams beautifully.
5. Keep Warm and Serve: Remove the pot from the stove and keep the yams warm until serving. These candied yams are best enjoyed warm as a sweet, flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Ensure the sweet potatoes are sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
• Use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works as well.
• Thawed orange juice concentrate adds a subtle citrus brightness; do not use fresh orange juice as it may water down the syrup.
• Keep an eye on the syrup at the end to prevent burning as it thickens.
• These yams can be reheated gently in the oven before serving.

Keywords: Southern Candied Yams, sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, candied yams recipe, sweet potato side