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Candied Yams

Sweet Southern Candied Yams with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract is one of the tastiest, easiest sides. We love to serve it up for Thanksgiving dinner. 
Course side dish/other
Cuisine Southern
Keyword candied sweet potates, candied yams recipe, how to make candied yams
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 404kcal
Author Beth Pierce

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Add the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla to a large skillet over medium heat. As the sugars and butter melt, stir to combine all the ingredients and coat the potatoes.
  • Bring the mixture to a low boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes or until fork tender. Gently turn the sweet potatoes as they are cooking.
  • Turn the heat up during the last few minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.  For best results, serve promptly.

Notes

  • Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into uniform size chunks. Sweet potatoes can be tough to cut, so be prepared and be safe.
  • Stir the potatoes enough to mix the spices and glaze both sides of the potatoes.
  • Is your stovetop extra busy? No problem, prepare them in a casserole dish in the oven using the same concept. Bake covered at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes stirring several times to combine and baste. Then remove the foil and cook until fork tender and glazed.
  • For an extra special treat, sprinkle with toasted pecans. Or use an oven-proof skillet and top with mini marshmallows, and bake uncovered at 400 degrees until the marshmallows melt and lightly brown.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at reduced power in the microwave.
  • To freeze first, cool completely. Then place in freezer bags or a freezer container removing as much air as possible if using freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop on low.  

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 24488IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg