How to Make Southern Candied Yams

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

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Granulated White Sugar: coconut sugar, turbinado sugar
• Instead of Light Brown Sugar: dark brown sugar, muscovado sugar
• Instead of Salt: kosher salt
• Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegan butter
• Instead of Vanilla Extract: maple syrup, almond extract
• Instead of Ground Cinnamon: pumpkin spice, ground nutmeg
• Instead of Ground Nutmeg: ground allspice

Equipment Needed

• Paring Knife
• Cutting Board
• Medium-Sized Pot with Lid
• Measuring Spoons
• Measuring Cups
• Paper Towels
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• 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.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use a sharp, sturdy knife for peeling; it speeds up the process and reduces accidents.
• Cut the slices about 1/4 inch thick for the perfect balance of soft interior and caramelized edges.
• Add the butter at the very end off the heat to create a silky, glossy finish without scorching.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.

Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours during a buffet.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the candied yams up to step 9, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add butter before serving.
• If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely to prevent splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions