Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes

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Soft, tender sweet potatoes kissed with warm spices and coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze make candied yams the ultimate comfort side dish. This classic recipe brings all the nostalgia of holiday dinners, but it’s just as welcome on a casual Sunday supper table.

Whether you grew up calling them candied yams or sweet potatoes, this dish always brings a sense of warmth and tradition. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast, with everyone sneaking seconds straight from the dish before it even cools down. The balance of caramelized sweetness and earthy root veggie goodness is just unbeatable.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes

This recipe doesn’t cut corners on flavor. The slow baking time lets every slice soak up that cinnamon-spiced syrup. It uses simple pantry ingredients but transforms them into a silky, melt-in-your-mouth side that makes any meal feel special. It’s gluten-free, naturally sweetened by the sweet potatoes themselves, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, often labeled as “yams” in stores, are what you want here. Look for medium-sized ones with smooth skin and no green spots. Jewel or Garnet varieties work beautifully. Their texture is rich and moist, and they hold their shape well while still turning fork-tender.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes

The magic of this dish lies in its balance of buttery richness, spice, and just the right touch of sweetness. You’ll only need a handful of familiar ingredients to get started.

• Sweet Potatoes
• Brown Sugar
• Unsalted Butter
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Nutmeg
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt
• Water

Each of these ingredients plays a role in layering the flavor. The sweet potatoes are the heart, soaking up that sauce. Brown sugar gives deep molasses notes while unsalted butter makes everything silky. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. A splash of vanilla brings in aromatic sweetness, and a pinch of salt keeps things balanced. Just a bit of water helps loosen the syrup while it bakes.

How To Make the Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Slice

Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into thick rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the size uniform for even cooking.

Step 2: Layer and Pour

Arrange the slices in a baking dish, slightly overlapping. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and water. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Pour this rich syrup over your sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, basting the potatoes with the sauce halfway through. They should be fork-tender and glistening.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the syrup can thicken a bit more. Serve warm with extra sauce spooned over the top.

How to Serve and Store Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with soul food favorites or a festive Thanksgiving spread. If you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 325°F or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to refresh the syrup.

What to Serve With Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes?

H3: Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and golden-topped, this side is a must with candied yams.

H3: Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

The savory-sweet flavor of these juicy chicken thighs complements the caramel tones of the yams perfectly.

H3: Cornbread

Whether classic or with a touch of jalapeño, cornbread is the perfect vehicle to mop up leftover syrup.

H3: Collard Greens

Add some savory greens to balance the sweetness of the dish.

H3: Cajun Potato Soup

It may sound unexpected, but pairing creamy soup with yams creates a cozy, belly-warming combo. Try Cajun Potato Soup.

H3: Oven-Fried Potatoes and Onions

For a comfort food plate that’s full of texture and flavor, add these crispy oven-fried potatoes.

H3: Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken

The buttery crispiness works beautifully with the soft syrupy texture of the yams. Check out Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you loved these candied yams, here are a few more dishes to keep your meals warm and satisfying:

• Honey Butter Skillet Corn for a golden sweet crunch.
• Mexican Sopa de Conchas for something cozy with a twist.
• Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for bold, crispy flavor.
• Creamy Corn Dip for easy, scoopable indulgence.
• Cajun Potato Soup for spice-lovers and soup fans alike.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so it’s ready for your next Sunday dinner or holiday meal.

I’d love to hear if you spiced things up with a little cayenne or added orange zest for brightness. Share your tweaks and questions in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and more on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next go-to dish to make any gathering feel special: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Candied yams sweet potatoes are more than a side dish—they’re a warm hug on a plate. They bring richness and heart to any meal, simple or fancy. Whether you’re serving them alongside roast turkey or with a weeknight chicken thigh, this dish will always feel like a celebration.

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