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Irresistible Southern Candied Yams Recipe for Perfect Holidays

southern candied yams - featured image

Perfectly caramelized yams coated in a buttery, sugary glaze bring warmth and nostalgia to the table, making them a must-have for holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized fresh yams, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Peel the yams and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add the water and mix until everything is well combined.
  3. Carefully place the yam slices into the skillet, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the glaze. Arrange them in a single layer if possible.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the yams cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The glaze should thicken as it simmers.
  5. Use a fork to test the yams. They should be soft but not falling apart.
  6. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high for the final 5 minutes of cooking. This step helps the glaze thicken and stick to the yams.
  7. Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Choose firm yams with smooth skin, avoiding bruised or overly soft ones.’, ‘Let the glaze thicken slowly while the yams cook to achieve the perfect texture.’, ‘If doubling the recipe, use a wider pan or layer the yams carefully for even cooking.’, ‘Keep the heat on low while simmering to prevent the glaze from burning.’, ‘You can prepare the glaze a day in advance to save time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern, Candied Yams, Holiday Recipe, Comfort Food, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Easy Recipe