Easy Baked Candied Yams

These southern candied yams are covered in a spiced sugar glaze and are the perfect balance of sweet and savory! This easy side dish is sure to be a hit at your holiday table!

Candied yams are a southern staple during Thanksgiving and for good reason! They are the perfect balance of sweet and savory with hints of warm spices in every bite. I had never tried them until I moved to Texas and now they are one of my all time favorite side dishes! Candied yams are made with simple ingredients and you probably already have everything you need to make these at home! This is also a perfect make-ahead dish which comes in handy during the busy holiday season. 

Out of all the sweet potato recipes you could try, definitely give this one a go! You will fall in love with the forward sweet flavor and savory undertones of this dish. Not only is it a classic holiday side dish, but I find myself making it all year round too! It’s so easy to prepare and be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions below! 

Ingredients for Candied Yams

• Sweet Potatoes: I used sweet potatoes for these southern candied yams but feel free to switch it up with different root vegetables you may have on hand
• Butter: A key ingredient for the delicious sauce and for that classic candied flavor
• Sugar: We will use both dark brown sugar and white sugar for the perfect addition of sweetness
• Spices: This recipe will use nutmeg and cinnamon. It wouldn’t be real yams without these warm spices!
• Orange juice: To balance the sweetness of the candied mixture
• Pecans: For garnish and totally optional!

How to make Candied Yams

1. Peel and cut your fresh sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch rounds and set aside.
2. Melt your butter on medium heat then add the orange juice (can swap for lemon juice), sugars, spices, and a little bit of salt. A lot of people add vanilla extract to this dish, so feel free to add it here if you prefer!
3. Whisk the sugar mixture until foaming and bubbling. Layer your sweet potatoes in your casserole dish and add the sugary sauce on top (or can add layer by layer).
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and use a spoon to pour some of the sweet syrup from the bottom of the dish on the top of the potatoes. Repeat this until the potatoes are covered again. Bake for another 15-20 minutes without the foil on top. Cooking time may vary but once the sweet potatoes are fork tender, remove from oven and let cool slightly. 
5. Transfer to a serving dish so the sauce can fully coat all your yams, and top with pecans before enjoying! (tip: you can boil the potatoes first before cutting into disks to save you half the baking time)

FAQ’s

How to store leftover candied yams? 

• This is such a great recipe so leftovers will be rare! If you do have any, store your leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.

What else can I serve with Candied Yams?

• The best way to enjoy candied yams is with other side dishes like mac and cheese, green bean casserole, collard greens, turkey, and more! You can enjoy them year round, not just for Thanksgiving dinner!