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Classic Southern Candied Yams and Sweet Potatoes

A close-up of thick, glazed slices of amazing candied yams served on a white plate with rich brown syrup.
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Make traditional candied yams or sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. This recipe works well baked or cooked on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 cup miniature marshmallows for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the sliced yams or sweet potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil. If you want a thicker glaze, continue baking uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes, spooning the glaze over the potatoes every 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the potatoes.
  9. If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the top during the last 5 minutes of uncovered baking until they are golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can cook this recipe entirely on the stovetop by simmering the glazed potatoes in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat until tender and the sauce reduces, turning them gently every 10 minutes.
  • For a maple variation, substitute 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup.
  • Use yams or sweet potatoes interchangeably; sweet potatoes are more common in modern recipes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/candied-yams-classic-southern-recipe/