Southern Candied Yams – A Classic Soul Food Side Dish

Southern Candied Yams are more than just a side dish, they’re a beloved tradition deeply rooted in Southern and soul food cooking. Sweet, buttery, tender, and coated in a rich caramel-like syrup, candied yams are a must-have for holidays, Sunday dinners, and special family gatherings. Despite the name, this dish is almost always made with sweet potatoes, not true yams. Slowly baked or simmered in butter, sugar, and warm spices, Southern candied yams are the definition of comfort food. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering layers of sweetness balanced with spice and richness.

What Are Southern Candied Yams?

Southern candied yams are sliced sweet potatoes cooked in a syrup made from butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. As they cook, the potatoes absorb the syrup, becoming tender while the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. This dish is traditionally served warm and often finished with marshmallows, though purists prefer the classic syrup-only version that highlights the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern flavor: Rich, buttery, and warmly spiced
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together beautifully
Perfect for holidays: A staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
Make-ahead friendly: Easy to prep in advance
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spices, or toppings to taste

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

Sweet potatoes (4–5 large): The star of the dish. Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 stick / ½ cup): Adds richness and helps create the syrup.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances the molasses notes of brown sugar.
Water or orange juice (¼ cup): Helps create the syrup and keeps the yams moist.

Flavor Enhancers

Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warm and aromatic
Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds depth and subtle spice
Vanilla extract (1–2 tsp): Enhances sweetness and aroma
Salt (pinch): Balances the sugar and intensifies flavor

Optional Add-Ins

Marshmallows: A popular topping for a gooey finish
Orange zest: Adds brightness
Cloves or allspice: For extra warmth

How to Make Southern Candied Yams

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thick rounds or chunks, about ½ to 1 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, water (or orange juice), cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Simmer gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour the syrup evenly over the potatoes, making sure all pieces are coated.

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Uncover and Caramelize

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–35 minutes, basting occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened.

Step 5: Optional Marshmallow Topping

If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking. Return to the oven uncovered until marshmallows are lightly golden.

Flavor and Texture

Southern candied yams are soft, tender, and buttery, with a syrup that’s sweet but not cloying. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, while vanilla rounds out the sweetness. The edges of the sweet potatoes soak up the syrup, becoming almost caramelized, while the centers remain fluffy and smooth. When marshmallows are added, they create a contrast between gooey sweetness and rich, spiced yams.

Tips for Perfect Candied Yams

Use sweet potatoes, not canned yams: Fresh sweet potatoes provide better texture and flavor.
Slice evenly: Prevents some pieces from overcooking.
Baste during baking: Helps the syrup coat every piece.
Don’t rush the bake: Slow cooking allows flavors to fully develop.
Taste and adjust: Add more spice or vanilla if desired.

Variations and Customizations

Classic Southern Style

Stick to butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—simple and traditional.

Less Sweet Version

Reduce sugar slightly and rely more on the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Orange-Spiced Candied Yams

Use orange juice instead of water and add orange zest for a citrusy note.

Vegan Candied Yams

Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Marshmallow-Topped

A favorite for holidays, add mini marshmallows for a nostalgic touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours ahead. Bake when ready to serve.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave in short intervals.
Freezing: Not recommended, as texture may become watery when thawed.

When to Serve Southern Candied Yams

They pair perfectly with fried chicken, baked ham, turkey, collard greens, and cornbread.

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners
Sunday soul food meals
Easter celebrations
Potlucks and family gatherings
Comfort-food dinners

Conclusion

Southern Candied Yams are a timeless side dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible sweetness to the table. With tender sweet potatoes, buttery syrup, and comforting spices, this dish embodies the heart of Southern cooking. Whether served at a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner, candied yams are always a crowd favorite. Simple to make, easy to customize, and rich in tradition, they’re a recipe worth passing down for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are candied yams and sweet potatoes the same?
Yes. Most “candied yams” are made with sweet potatoes, as true yams are rarely used in American cooking.

Can I make candied yams on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer sliced sweet potatoes gently in syrup until tender, though baking provides better caramelization.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so the sugar can be adjusted to taste.

Why is my syrup runny?
It thickens as it bakes and cools. If needed, bake uncovered a little longer.

Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, add them near the end of baking so they don’t burn.