This baked candied yams recipe (candy yams) is sweet and buttery and features brown sugar and warm spices. It's a traditional Southern soul food recipe passed down from generation to generation.

Follow our easy, step-by-step recipe instructions updated with pictures!

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Marrekus makes the best candied yams! It's a classic soul food side dish was passed down from his grandma to his mother and then to him.

Our Southern candied yams recipe and is perfect for Sunday dinner and special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. It uses fewer than 10 ingredients, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry.

But it isn't just reserved for the holidays. We make candy yams to go with Southern baked mac and cheese, smothered chicken and rice, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, boiled cabbage, and collard greens.

For more dinner recipes, be sure to check out our Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas roundup these Southern side dishes.

What we love about this recipe

It's flavorful: The natural sweetness of yams, enhanced by a rich candied mixture of sugar, butter, and spices, creates a warm and indulgent flavor that appeals to pretty much everyone.
It's traditional: Baked candied yams are traditionally served for Sunday dinner in the South. They're also often a staple for holiday gatherings, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
It's quick and easy: The simplicity of the recipe makes candied yams accessible to both experienced and novice cooks. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, it's a dish that can be easily mastered.

What are candied yams?

Candied yams, also called candy yams, are a classic holiday side dish and Southern soul food side dish made from sweet potatoes. These vibrant, naturally sweet tubers are transformed into a delicious side dish by cooking them in a sweet, sticky syrup.

While the terms "yams" and "sweet potatoes" are often used interchangeably, especially in the United States, real yams are quite different and not commonly found in American grocery stores.

Ingredients

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Sweet potatoes
Butter
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Granulated sugar
Light or dark brown sugar (packed)
Vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray or softened butter

Recipe variations and modifications

Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are added to the top during the last few minutes of baking until they're gooey and toasted.
Pecans: Add a nice crunch. Use chopped pecans or pecan halves.
Bourbon: For an boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon!
Citrus: Use citrus fruits like oranges or lemons to add a fresh and tangy twist.

Tools you'll need

9" x 13" casserole dish
Saucepan
Whisk
Foil

How to make baked candied yams

Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

glass baking dish coated with cooking spray

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, take a moment to coat your 9" x 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2. Arrange sweet potatoes in the prepared dish and set aside.

Step 3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan.

adding salt, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter

Step 4. Then add salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and both types of sugar.

Step 5. Whisk it all together until it's well incorporated.

Step 6. Once everything's combined, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste the candied mixture before pouring it over the sweet potatoes, and adjust the flavor if needed.

Step 7. Pour the sweet syrup candied sauce mixture all over the sweet potatoes. Make sure each slice gets a generous coating.

Step 8. Now, take a piece of aluminum foil and securely cover your baking dish. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 9. Carefully take the dish out of the oven. Using a spoon, coat the candied yams again with the buttery syrup that has formed at the bottom of the dish. Continue baking, with the foil removed, for 15-20 minutes.

Step 10. Once the candied yams are done baking, take them out of the oven, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe tips

Even Slicing: Try to slice the sweet potatoes into even rounds (about ½-inch thick) to ensure uniform cooking. This helps all the slices cook at the same rate.
Basting the Sweet Potatoes: When you uncover the dish to baste the sweet potatoes, be generous with the candied mixture. This additional coating enhances the flavor and adds a glossy finish.
Checking for Doneness: Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork after the initial baking period to check for tenderness. They should be soft and easily pierced.
Adjusting Sugar Levels: If you prefer your candied yams less sweet, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
Serve Warm: Candied yams are best enjoyed warm. Serve them directly from the oven for the most flavorful experience.

sliced sweet potatoes on a cutting board with a knife and peeler

Make ahead candied yams

To make candied yams ahead of time using this recipe, here's what you can do:

The Day Before

Peel and Slice: After cleaning the sweet potatoes, peel and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. To keep the peeled sweet potatoes fresh, place them in a large bowl of cold water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Make the Sauce: You can also prepare the butter mixture ahead of time. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and both types of sugar, and whisk until combined. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the sauce cool. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

The Day Of

Assemble and Bake: When you're ready to bake the yams, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the sweet potatoes and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Reheat the butter mixture slightly, so it's pourable, and then pour it over the sweet potatoes. Follow the rest of the baking instructions as usual.

By prepping the sweet potatoes and sauce the day before, you save time on the day of baking, making it easier to get this delicious side dish on the table without the last-minute rush.

What to serve with Southern candied yams

This Southern candied yams recipe is a popular Thanksgiving side dish that is best served alongside Cajun smoked turkey and cornbread dressing. Here are some additional dishes that can complement candied yams:

Collard Greens: Slow-simmered collard greens with ham hocks and collard greens with smoked turkey are two delicious soul food side dishes.
Green Beans and Potatoes: Our Southern green beans are simmered in a flavorful broth with potatoes and smoked turkey.
Cabbage: Boiled cabbage cooked with in a savory broth or fried cabbage are delicious with this oxtail recipe.
Butter Beans: Creamy beans cooked in a flavorful, seasoned broth with smoked turkey and the “holy trinity”, bell pepper, celery, and onion.
Southern Cornbread: Our soul food cornbread recipe is easy to follow and yields a moist crumb.
Sweet Potato Cornbread: Perfectly moist and flavorful, made with fresh, mashed sweet potatoes, a touch of cinnamon, and the magic of beaten egg whites.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Made with four cheeses and eggs. We also have a Gouda mac and cheese recipe that is made with a roux.
Fried Chicken: Crispy, golden, and full of flavor! We skipped the buttermilk soak and embraced a salt, sugar, and water brine for juiciness for this recipe. Our blend of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings guarantees an irresistibly crispy coating every time.
Smothered Chicken: Fall-off-the-bone tender thighs simmered in rich brown gravy and spooned over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Fried Pork Chops: With a golden, crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior, these chops promise a comforting and satisfying meal. We also have smothered pork chops.
Black Eyed Peas: Made with smoked neck bones, onion, bell pepper, and celery.

picking up candied yams with a gold fork

How to store leftovers

Allow candied yams to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Candied yams can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Frequently asked questions

This recipe calls for sweet potatoes, which have dark reddish brown potato skin and orange flesh.

Yes, we recommend that you peel sweet potatoes for candied yams. Peel and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.

Candied yams are done when they become tender when pierced with a fork, and the sauce has thickened.

Summary

This is the best Southern candied yams recipe! They are are sweet and buttery and feature brown sugar and warm spices. It's an easy recipe passed down from generation to generation. Whether it's a holiday dinner or Sunday dinner, they're perfect for any time of the year. Try it today!

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