Sweet Southern Candied Yams

Try my mouthwatering candied yams recipe, featuring tender sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows. A delightful treat for any family gathering!

May 18, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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A Sweet Indulgence: Candied Yams Recipe

Oh my gosh, who doesn’t get a little nostalgic when they hear "candied yams recipe"? it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! you know the ones—those tender sweet potatoes, all dressed up in a heavenly syrup of butter, brown sugar, and spices.

Seriously, every bite feels like a cozy family memory coming alive!

From History to Your Table

Candied yams are not just a dish; they’re a southern tradition often gracing the thanksgiving table. growing up, i remember my grandma whipping this up, filling the kitchen with that irresistible, sweet aroma.

The beauty of this candied sweet potatoes baked dish is that it’s easy-peasy. you don’t need to be a kitchen whiz.

Just some chopping and baking skills, and you’re in!

Time and Servings

Now let’s talk practical stuff. this recipe takes around 15 minutes of prep and roughly 45 minutes of baking, giving you a total time of about one hour .

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering! you can easily serve this up for six hungry mouths —or even just for yourself (hey, no judgment here!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this dish stand out? well, for starters, it’s packed with nutrients. sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins a and c! and can we talk about the flavors? a heavenly mix of sweetness from brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevates this dish to a whole new level.

It’s perfect for celebrating thanksgiving, christmas, or really any family get-together.

Honestly, there's something magical about yams with marshmallows draped over the top—like a delicious little cloud of sweetness. whether you call it candied sweet potato or candy yams , just know it brings everyone together! it’s like the heart of the meal.

So, if you're searching for a sweet side that steals the show, this candied yams recipe is where it's at.

Get ready to dive in! your friends and family are going to thank you for it, trust me! now, let’s gather those ingredients and get cooking!

Sweet Southern Candied Yams Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• Optional: mini marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds or cubes.
• In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat, stirring until melted and combined.
• Stir in water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Arrange sweet potatoes in the baking dish and pour the syrup over them.
• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce until sweet potatoes are tender and syrup thickens.
• (Optional) About 5 minutes before finishing, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top and return to oven until melted and golden.

Ingredients & Equipment for Candied Yams Recipe

Oh my gosh, let’s dive into the deliciousness of candied yams recipe ! you’re gonna love how simple these are to whip up.

Seriously, the blend of sweet potatoes, melted butter, and spices might just make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Candied Sweet Potatoes Baked delight:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900 g )
  Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin. No funky spots, okay?
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  Go for that dark brown sugar for more flavor richness. Yum!
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
  Fresh butter makes all the difference, trust me!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Helps elevate that sweet aroma.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  This is what dreams are made of, smoky and sweet!
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  Just a hint of nutmeg adds warmth.
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  Balances all that sweetness perfectly.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  Just a splash to help everything cook down.
• Optional: Mini marshmallows for topping
  Because honestly, who can resist yams with marshmallows ?

Seasoning Notes

Now, let’s chat about those flavor enhancers:

1. Essential Spice Combinations
   The cinnamon and nutmeg are your key players here. Absolute must-haves!

2. Quick Substitution Options
   If you’re out of brown sugar, use white sugar with a touch of molasses. It’ll still rock the flavor!

3. Other Fun Flavors
   Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of bourbon or orange juice to the mix for an added kick!

Equipment Needed

Let’s gather the essentials:

• Baking dish (9x13 inches)
  You need something big enough for all that goodness!
• Medium saucepan
  For melting your sweet syrup magic.
• Sharp knife and cutting board
  We’re chopping sweet potatoes, folks! Safety first!
• Measuring cups and spoons
  Grab your favorites! You wanna be accurate here.

If you don’t have a baking dish, you can totally use a large oven-safe skillet instead. Just make sure it’s deep enough for the syrup action.

I'm telling you, nothing is more comforting than a plate piled high with candied yams with marshmallows . it’s like a hug on a platter! and trust me, once you serve these up at family gatherings, they’ll become a tradition.

So gather your ingredients, fire up that oven to 350° f ( 175° c) , and let’s make some magic happen! happy cooking, friends!

Cooking Method for Candied Yams Recipe

Getting Ready

Before we dive into this candied yams recipe , let's chat about mise en place . this fancy term just means getting everything ready to roll.

Chop your sweet potatoes, measure out your brown sugar, and have your spices lined up like they’re ready for a race.

It makes cooking smoother and, honestly, much less chaotic.

Also, here’s a time-saving tip: soak those sweet potato pieces in cold water while you prep the rest. it'll help cut down on the starchiness.

And, of course, safety reminder—be careful with that knife! sweet potatoes can be a bit slippery, so watch those fingers!

Step-By-Step Process

Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s how you turn those sweet potatoes into a comforting side dish that you can’t help but smile at:

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . You want it nice and toasty for those yams.
2. Peel and slice 4 medium sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds. Think of it like making little sweet potato coins.
3. In a saucepan , melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar , 1 tsp vanilla , 1 tsp cinnamon , 1/2 tsp nutmeg , and 1/4 tsp salt over medium heat. It should be bubbling and smelling divine!
4. Pour in 1/4 cup water and bring the whole concoction to a gentle simmer.
5. Arrange the sweet potatoes in a 9x13 baking dish and pour that syrupy goodness all over them.
6. Cover with foil , and bake for 30 minutes . This helps them steam and cook through perfectly.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes . Baste occasionally with the syrup. The potatoes should be tender and the syrup thickening—this is your golden moment!
8. If you wanna kick it up a notch, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top for the last 5 minutes. Let them get all melty and golden, so you’re left with beautiful yams with marshmallows!

Pro Tips

Now, for some expert advice. first, don’t skimp on basting . this is where the flavor gets deep, so don’t rush it—patience pays off.

Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of bourbon or orange juice to the syrup for an unexpected twist.

Common mistakes? don’t let those sweet potatoes sit too long before slicing; they can brown pretty quickly. and if you have any leftovers, you can totally enjoy candied sweet potatoes for breakfast; just warm ‘em up and maybe throw on some yogurt.

Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

So there you go! follow this candied yams recipe , and you’ll have a dish that’ll bring everyone running to the table.

With that warm, sweet smell wafting through your kitchen, you’re bound to make some tasty memories! happy cooking!

Let’s Talk About Candied Yams Recipe: Your Cozy Sidekick for Any Meal!

If there’s one dish that pulls at the heartstrings, it’s gotta be candied yams . seriously, they’re like the “warm hug” of the dinner table.

Whether you’re whipping them up for thanksgiving or just a sunday dinner, they always hit the spot. now, let’s dive into some recipe notes so you can nail this dish every time!

Serving Suggestions: Make It Instagram-Ready

Presentation is key, right? layer those candied sweet potatoes baked in your favorite dish, and maybe toss some mini marshmallows on top.

Oh my gosh, the way they get all melty and golden is so dreamy. pair with a savory roasted turkey or smoked ham for a classic spread.

Add some collard greens or fluffy cornbread on the side, and you’ve got yourself a feast! for drinks, sweet tea or spiced apple cider is the way to go.

Just imagine it—pure bliss!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? lucky you! these yams with marshmallows can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. just pop them in an airtight container, and you’re set.

If you’re thinking about freezing, you can do that too! just make sure to cool them completely before sealing them up.

When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in an oven at 350° f for about 15- 20 minutes. you’ll want to keep an eye on them, so they don’t dry out.

Variations: Make It Yours

Wanna switch it up? try adding crushed pineapple in your candied sweet potato recipes . it adds a sweet and tart twist! or if you're feeling feisty, toss in some chopped nuts for crunch.

If you’re trying to keep things vegan, coconut oil works just fine instead of butter. and if you like a touch of spice, throw in ginger or allspice for some kick.

You do you!

Nutrition Basics: A Sweet Upgrade

Now, i know you’re curious about those candied yams and how they fit into your diet. each serving is around 280 calories.

Sure, that sounds a bit sweet, but listen! sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin a and fiber, making you feel good about indulging a little.

Plus, they're great for your eyes and skin—hello, glow!

In the end, don’t hesitate to dive into making this candied yams recipe your own. play with flavors, serve ’em up at your next gathering, and get ready for compliments! cooking should be fun, and sharing a delicious bowl of candied sweet potatoes is definitely a way to spread the love.

Enjoy creating this classic dish—it’s bound to create memories with every savory-sweet bite!