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Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 63 reviews

If you’re craving that warm, comforting side dish that makes every holiday meal feel extra special, you’ve got to try my Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe. This dish is the very definition of sweet, buttery, and spiced goodness all baked together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy treat at home, I promise this recipe will quickly become a family favorite—you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect balance of spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves adds warmth without overpowering the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor.
  • Rich, buttery syrup: Melting butter with both brown and granulated sugar creates a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to every yam slice.
  • Easy layering and tossing: Coating each yam slice ensures every bite is indulgent and moist without dryness or clumping.
  • Flexible make-ahead option: This recipe warms up wonderfully, making it ideal for holiday prep or meal planning.
Southern Candied Yams, soul food side dish, sweet potato casserole, holiday yams recipe, easy Southern yam recipe - The image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with soft cooked sweet potatoes cut into round slices. The sweet potatoes are covered in a glossy dark brown syrupy sauce that pools around them. The slices have a slightly shiny, caramelized surface with some darker roasted spots. The white marbled surface is slightly visible at the edges around the dish. The warm orange and brown colors of the sweet potatoes and syrup stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe plays a special role—from the sweet potatoes’ natural starchy sweetness to the aromatic spices that elevate the whole dish. Here are some tips to help you make smart choices as you shop:

Southern Candied Yams, soul food side dish, sweet potato casserole, holiday yams recipe, easy Southern yam recipe - Flat lay of three medium sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh, several thick slices neatly cut to show their smooth, moist texture, a few cubes of pale yellow unsalted butter with soft edges, small mounds of golden granulated sugar and rich dark brown sugar crystals shimmering slightly, warm brown ground cinnamon and reddish-brown ground nutmeg forming gentle piles, a light dusting of finely ground ginger powder in soft beige tones, and a few tiny heaps of deep brown ground cloves, all carefully spaced and naturally scattered with slight overlaps to create depth, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized, firm yams with smooth skin for even slicing and consistent cooking.
  • Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the salt level; plus, using real butter means richer flavor and velvety texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds clean sweetness and helps create that signature syrupy coating.
  • Dark brown sugar: Brings in moisture and deep caramel notes thanks to its molasses content.
  • Cinnamon: A classic warm spice that complements the earthiness of sweet potatoes perfectly.
  • Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that cuts through the sweetness without stealing the show.
  • Ground nutmeg: Offers a gentle, aromatic lift that blends with the cinnamon and cloves beautifully.
  • Ground cloves: A little goes a long way—it gives the dish depth and complexity.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights every nuance in the flavors.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy aroma and rounds out the syrup with a touch of vanilla warmth.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe is, and I encourage you to make it your own. Play with the sugar levels or spices according to your tastes. Here are a couple of variations I’ve tried that you might enjoy:

  • Variation: Once, I swapped out half the brown sugar for maple syrup, which gave an extra rich note — great for fall dinners!
  • Healthier swap: Try using coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a lower glycemic index, and it still tastes fantastic.
  • Add texture: Toasted pecans sprinkled on top before serving add an irresistible crunch and nutty contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Yams

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Next, peel and slice about five medium sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch rounds. I find that longer, thinner sweet potatoes are easier for even slicing, which is key for consistent cooking. Arrange the slices neatly in the baking dish, layering as needed.

Step 2: Make the Sweet, Spiced Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 8 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup dark brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir gently as the butter melts, allowing the sugars and spices to meld into a thick syrup—but don’t worry if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved; that’s actually perfect! Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that final fragrant touch.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Pour your syrup over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Now, here’s where a little elbow grease pays off: use a wooden spoon or even your hands (if you don’t mind getting sticky!) to gently toss the yams so every piece gets coated evenly. This effort ensures no dry spots or clumpy layers. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes—this initial covered bake steams the yams nicely while infusing flavor.

Step 4: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and use your spoon to toss and turn the yams, bringing bottom layers up to soak in that irresistible syrup. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes until the yams are fork-tender but still hold their shape, and the cooking liquid has thickened to a luscious glaze. Remember, you want tender yams that don’t fall apart.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let your candied yams cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before serving—this rest time helps the syrup thicken further. When you plate them, spoon a little extra syrup over the top for that glossy finish. Trust me, it’s the little details that make this dish unforgettable.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Uniform Slicing: I always aim for ½-inch-thick slices to ensure even cooking—too thick means uneven heat, too thin can fall apart.
  • Sticky Hands Are Worth It: Tossing the yams by hand helps coat every slice thoroughly; just have some warm water and soap ready for cleanup!
  • Patience During Baking: Don’t rush the uncover-bake step; it’s crucial for thickening the syrup and getting those caramelized edges.
  • Taste Test for Doneness: Always test a yam slice with a fork and bite—it’s the best way to determine when they’re perfect.

How to Serve Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe

Southern Candied Yams, soul food side dish, sweet potato casserole, holiday yams recipe, easy Southern yam recipe - The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with thick, round slices of sweet potatoes, cooked in a rich, shiny brown glaze that coats each slice with a sticky texture. The sweet potato slices are arranged in a slightly overlapping layer, showing their smooth and glossy surface with a warm orange-brown color. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, scooping some slices, adding a natural wooden texture to the scene. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped fresh parsley on top. The pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts with the soft, sugary yams, while parsley offers a bit of fresh color and brightness if you want to balance the sweetness a little.

Side Dishes

This classic Southern side goes beautifully with fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, or your favorite soul food mains like smothered pork chops or barbecued ribs. It’s also a Thanksgiving staple that everyone will ask for!

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday dinner, I sometimes serve the yams in a festive casserole dish topped with a sprinkle of mini marshmallows broiled until golden, giving that nostalgic sweet finish some extra flair. Alternatively, try layering with thin slices of fresh orange or pineapple for a fruity twist that’ll impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to five days. The yams soften more over time, but the flavors intensify—a real bonus if you love super tender yams.

Freezing

Freezing candied yams is doable but best avoided if you want to preserve texture perfectly. If you must freeze, store them in a freezer-safe container without the glaze, then thaw and reheat gently, adding extra syrup as needed.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers by placing the yams in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil, and warming at 325°F until heated through, which helps keep them from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine but tends to soften them quickly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe?

    While regular potatoes can technically be used, this recipe is best with sweet potatoes due to their natural sweetness and texture. Regular potatoes won’t caramelize the same way and could result in a bland or starchy dish.

  2. How do I prevent the sugar from hardening in this recipe?

    The syrup in this recipe isn’t cooked until the sugar fully dissolves, which keeps it from hardening like candy. Also, not adding extra liquid (like water or juice) helps maintain a thick syrup that coats the yams nicely without crystalizing.

  3. Can I make Southern Candied Yams ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble and bake the yams 1 to 2 days before your event. Reheat gently in the oven before serving, or prepare everything up to the baking step, refrigerate the uncooked yams, and bake fresh on the day of your meal.

  4. What’s the best way to tell when the yams are done?

    The best test is to pierce a slice with a fork; it should slide in easily with little resistance, and the yam should have a tender but not mushy texture. I also like to bite a small piece to check for softness and flavor absorption.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s a dish that brings warmth, memories, and smiles around the table every time. It’s easy to make yet feels indulgent, and I love how it pairs with so many classic Southern dishes. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it as your go-to soul food staple!

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Southern Candied Yams (Soul Food Recipe!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Soul Food
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Southern Candied Yams are a classic soul food recipe featuring tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery, spiced sugar syrup. This dish is perfect as a comforting side, especially during holiday meals like Thanksgiving. The sweet potatoes are beautifully coated in a cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla-infused glaze that caramelizes in the oven for a deliciously sweet and aromatic result.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes – about 5 medium sweet potatoes

Syrup

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter – sliced into squares, plus more for greasing the baking dish
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar – or light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Thoroughly wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the sweet potato slices evenly in the buttered baking dish.
  3. Make Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and combine it with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir just until the butter melts and ingredients come together. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Note that the syrup will be thick and some sugar granules may not be fully dissolved.
  4. Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the warm butter and sugar syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to carefully stir and coat each sweet potato slice thoroughly to prevent dry spots and clumping.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to start cooking and absorb the syrup.
  6. Toss and Continue Baking: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and gently toss the sweet potatoes to redistribute them and the syrup. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender and the syrup has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the candied yams cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Serve warm with a slotted spoon, spooning some extra syrup over the top if desired.

Notes

  • Slice sweet potatoes uniformly about ½ inch thick for even cooking. Longer or thinner yams are easier to slice evenly.
  • The syrup is intentionally thick and not fully dissolved to prevent it from hardening like candy during baking.
  • Adjust sugar amount according to desired sweetness.
  • This recipe is ideal for make-ahead preparation. Assemble and cook ahead or store uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
  • Test doneness by piercing a sweet potato slice with a fork; it should be tender and easy to bite through.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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