Oh, the sweet joy of Southern cooking! There’s something magical about the way sweet flavors dance together, especially when it comes to comfort food like candied yams. Trust me, once you try my best ever southern candied yams recipe, you’ll be hooked! Every holiday gathering at my family’s house was incomplete without this dish—just the aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the air brings back such warm memories. I remember my grandma fussing over the stove, making sure each yam was perfectly glazed, and now I can’t help but recreate that same feeling in my own kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings everyone to the table, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare the Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! It’s super important to set it to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing everything. Preheating ensures that your yams cook evenly and helps achieve that perfect caramelized glaze. So, go ahead and turn it on now!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large pot and toss in those beautiful sweet potato slices, followed by the packed brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. It’s like a sweet symphony in there! Mix everything together until well combined. This is where the magic begins—bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Don’t rush this part; let those flavors mingle and start their dance!
Simmer the Mixture
Once you reach that lovely boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the sweet potatoes to soak up all those delicious spices and flavors—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Just keep an eye on it, and remember, it’s all about building that rich, sweet flavor.
Bake the Yams
Now it’s time for the oven! Carefully transfer the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish, making sure to pour all that syrupy goodness over the top. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. Here’s a little tip: baste the yams with the syrup a couple of times during baking to keep them moist and enhance that glaze. You’ll want to watch them closely as they transform into sweet, caramelized perfection!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your best ever southern candied yams recipe turns out perfectly? Here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve picked up along the way that will help you achieve delicious results every time!
- Pick the right sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes, as they’ll hold up better during cooking. The sweeter, the better!
- Don’t skimp on the butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, but don’t be shy with it! It adds a rich creaminess that makes the dish sing.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the brown sugar a bit. You can always add more later if needed—taste as you go!
- Baste generously: Remember to baste those yams a few times during baking. This helps coat them in that luscious syrup and ensures they stay moist.
- Let them rest: After taking them out of the oven, let the yams cool for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier!
With these tips in mind, I guarantee your candied yams will be the star of the show at your next gathering!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for my best ever southern candied yams recipe. Each serving packs about 250 calories, with roughly 10 grams of fat and 32 grams of sugar. You’ll also get 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber from those delicious sweet potatoes. Of course, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But trust me, every bite is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.
- Deliciously sweet flavor that balances perfectly with savory dishes.
- A crowd favorite that brings everyone together around the table.
- Comforting and nostalgic, reminding you of family gatherings and treasured memories.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the candied yams a day in advance. Just follow all the steps until they’re ready to bake, then cover the dish and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through. This way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your gathering!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for alternatives to butter, you can definitely swap it out for coconut oil or margarine. Both will work beautifully and give you that rich flavor you want. Coconut oil adds a subtle hint of sweetness, which can complement the yams nicely. Just make sure whatever you choose is melted before mixing it in!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is pretty simple! Just let the yams cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or a little extra butter to keep them moist while reheating—trust me, you don’t want them to dry out!
Serving Suggestions
These best ever southern candied yams are a delightful addition to any meal, and they pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ideas for what to serve alongside them:
- Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a classic Southern feast.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy fried chicken and sweet yams create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
- Collard Greens: The slight bitterness of collard greens balances the sweetness of the yams, creating a well-rounded plate.
- Cornbread: Serve with a side of warm cornbread to soak up all that delicious syrup—it’s simply irresistible!
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal veggies adds color and freshness, making for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just enjoying a cozy weeknight meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your candied yams to the next level. Enjoy!
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Best Ever Southern Candied Yams Recipe to Savor Today
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is the best ever southern candied yams recipe that brings sweet flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste preference.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best ever southern candied yams recipe
