How to Make Southern Candied Yams !!

How to Make Southern Candied Yams !! is a medium Southern United States recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by The Danni Rose Network on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $4.04 total, $0.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 large Sweet Potatoes (peeled, rinsed, dried and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
  • 2 tablespoons Water (only to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces; added at the end to melt into the glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1.5 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (about 1 1/2 tbsp; use sparingly)
  • 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions

  1. Peel the Sweet Potatoes

    Using a sharp paring knife (or a vegetable peeler) carefully remove the skin from the sweet potatoes, taking your time to avoid cuts.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Rinse and Dry

    Rinse the peeled potatoes under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Slice into Rounds

    Cut each sweet potato into 1/4‑inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform thickness for even cooking.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Water to Pot

    Place a medium‑sized pot on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of water.

    Time: PT1M

  5. First Layer of Potatoes and Sugar

    Arrange half of the sweet‑potato rounds in an even layer at the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle half of the white sugar, half of the brown sugar, half of the salt, half of the vanilla, and half of the cinnamon (and a pinch of nutmeg if using) over the potatoes.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Second Layer of Potatoes and Sugar

    Place the remaining sweet‑potato rounds on top of the first layer, then add the remaining sugar, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Simmer with Cracked Lid

    Set the burner to medium‑low heat, place a cracked lid on the pot (leave a small gap for steam), and let the potatoes simmer for 10‑12 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

  8. Flip the Top Layer

    Remove the lid, gently flip only the top layer of potatoes, and press them down into the sugary liquid.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Finish Cooking

    Replace the cracked lid and continue to cook for another 10‑12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

    Time: PT12M

  10. Add Butter and Finish Glaze

    Turn off the heat, add the butter pieces, replace the lid, and let the butter melt into the sugary sauce for about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Serve

    Transfer the candied sweet potatoes to a serving dish and serve warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Southern Candied Yams !!

Recipe by The Danni Rose Network

A classic Southern holiday side dish of sweet potatoes caramelized with brown and white sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. The potatoes are simmered on the stove with just a splash of water, then finished with a buttery glaze for a glossy, tender candied yam.

MediumSouthern United StatesServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.04
Total cost
$0.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Peel the sweet potatoes safely with a sharp knife or peeler.
  • Layer the potatoes and sugar without stirring.
  • Use a cracked lid to allow steam to escape while preventing excess water.
  • Flip only the top layer after the first simmer.
  • Add butter after the heat is turned off to create a glossy glaze.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot sugar can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when peeling to avoid cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of candied sweet potatoes (candy yams) in Southern United States cuisine?

A

Candied sweet potatoes have been a staple of Southern holiday tables for generations, tracing back to African‑American cooking traditions where sweet potatoes were sweetened with sugar and butter to celebrate special occasions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of candied sweet potatoes in Southern cuisine?

A

In the Deep South, cooks often add marshmallows on top, while in coastal areas they may incorporate orange zest or bourbon. Some families use pecans for added crunch, but the classic version relies on butter, sugar, and warm spices.

cultural
Q

How is candied sweet potatoes traditionally served in Southern holiday meals?

A

They are typically served warm as a side dish alongside turkey, ham, or fried chicken, placed on a decorative platter and sometimes garnished with a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra melted butter.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is candied sweet potatoes traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Candied sweet potatoes are most common at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings, as well as at family reunions and church potlucks throughout the Southern United States.

cultural
Q

What makes candied sweet potatoes special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

The dish showcases the natural sweetness of the yam combined with a buttery caramel glaze, creating a glossy, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that balances sweet and savory flavors—a hallmark of Southern comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making candied sweet potatoes?

A

Adding too much water, stirring the potatoes during cooking, covering the pot completely, and adding butter while the sugar is still boiling are all common errors that can result in a watery or burnt glaze.

technical
Q

Why does this candied sweet potatoes recipe use a cracked lid instead of a fully sealed lid?

A

A cracked lid lets excess steam escape, preventing the pot from becoming a watery stew while still allowing the potatoes to steam and become tender in the sugary broth.

technical
Q

Can I make candied sweet potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prepare them up to the point before adding butter, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days, then reheat gently and finish with butter for a fresh glaze.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the candied sweet potatoes are done?

A

The potatoes should be fork‑tender, and the sauce should be thick, glossy, and clinging to each slice, with caramelized edges but not burnt.

technical
Q

How do I know when the candied sweet potatoes are done cooking?

A

When a fork easily pierces the center of a slice and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy coating that glistens, the dish is finished.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Danni Rose Network specialize in?

A

The Danni Rose Network focuses on Southern comfort food, holiday recipes, and family‑style cooking tutorials with a warm, home‑cooking vibe.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Danni Rose Network's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

The Danni Rose Network emphasizes traditional, no‑fuss techniques, using everyday kitchen tools and sharing personal family tips, whereas many other channels rely on high‑tech equipment or overly modern twists.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Southern Holiday Mac and Cheese
58

Southern Holiday Mac and Cheese

A rich, creamy baked mac and cheese with a Southern twist, perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with cream cheese, evaporated milk, and a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, and Creole seasoning, this dish delivers a comforting, cheesy flavor with a golden, crispy top.

1 hr 50 minServes 8$11
American (Southern)
Southern Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham
26

Southern Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham

A simple, crowd‑pleasing Southern‑style spiral‑cut ham glazed with a sweet‑tangy pineapple‑honey sauce. Perfect for Easter, holidays, or any special gathering. The recipe walks a beginner through making the glaze, assembling the ham, and basting for a glossy, flavorful finish.

2 hrs 40 minServes 12$74
Southern American
Candied Yams with a Marshmallow Topping
3

Candied Yams with a Marshmallow Topping

A sweet and buttery candied yam casserole topped with golden mini marshmallows. This four‑ingredient side dish is perfect for holiday meals and comes together with minimal effort.

1 hr 4 minServes 6$7
American
Candied Yams with Marshmallow Topping
4

Candied Yams with Marshmallow Topping

A sweet‑and‑savory Thanksgiving side that combines tender boiled yams, brown sugar, butter, and a golden marshmallow topping. Easy to make, this dish brings a comforting, caramel‑kissed flavor to the holiday table.

1 hr 37 minServes 6$5
American
Marshmallows candied yams!!🍠🍠
2

Marshmallows candied yams!!🍠🍠

A sweet and buttery holiday side dish. Tender baked sweet potatoes are glazed with granulated sugar, butter, and warm spices, then topped with golden marshmallows for a classic candy‑yam finish.

1 hr 10 minServes 6$5
American (Southern)
How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
33

How To Make Grandma Barb's Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

These fluffy, old‑school buttermilk biscuits are the exact recipe handed down from a grandmother’s kitchen. Using a mix of butter‑flavored shortening, cold unsalted butter, and a surprise brush of mayonnaise, the biscuits rise high, stay buttery, and have a golden crust that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any comfort‑food moment.

59 minServes 4$7
American Southern