Oven Baked Candied Yams are a beloved Southern staple, made by baking sweet potatoes low and slow in a buttery, spiced sugar mixture until they're tender and caramelized.
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at my grandmother's table included her famous candied yams. Sweet, tender, and buttery with just the right blend of spices, these potatoes create their own rich, caramelized sauce as they bake. This Southern classic is a true from-scratch staple that brings comfort and tradition to every holiday meal.
In this guide-complete with step-by-step photos and a video tutorial-I'll show you how to make candied yams just the way my family has enjoyed them for generations. Simple, soulful, and absolutely delicious-this is soul food at its finest.
Video Tutorial
What Are Candied Yams?
Candied yams are a beloved Southern staple, made by baking sweet potatoes low and slow in a buttery, spiced sugar mixture until they're tender and caramelized. While they can also be prepared on the stovetop, the baked version delivers that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Traditionally served at holiday dinners, but in the south we eat them year-round.
Equipment
Casserole dish
Vegetable peeler or sharp knife
Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
Why You'll Love this Candied Sweet Potato Recipe
- Southern Soul Food - Classic must have traditional soul food side dish.
- One dish side dish - cut your sweet potatoes, add your additions, cover then bake!
- Make Ahead Dish - Bake the candied yams the day before, then reheat in the oven or via microwave and serve. So simple and easy!
- No par cooking needed. Just slice, season and bake.
What's the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?
In the South-and across much of the U.S.-we often call this dish "candied yams," but it's actually made with sweet potatoes. True yams, which are native to Africa, have rough brown skin and a much starchier texture.
Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, come in several varieties, and for this recipe we use the orange-skinned sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweet and perfect for baking.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet Potatoes - Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes, not too thin with bright orange flesh.
- Butter - Use unsalted butter for control over flavor.
- Sugar - Granulated sugar is used for this recipe.
- Spices - Cinnamon and nutmeg provide depth of flavor.
- Vanilla - Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Candied Yams
- Slice sweet potatoes as even as possible so they bake at the same rate.
- Don't skip the butter-it's key to the delicious caramel sauce.
- Bake covered so the sauce reduces and caramelizes beautifully.
- Bake until fork tender, but not falling apart.
Before You Begin
Here are the steps to take to get organized before you begin baking the sweet potatoes.
Step 1: Get all ingredients for the southern candied yams on the counter.
Step 2: Wash your sweet potatoes under cold running water after slicing them.
Step 3: Measure everything out into one bowl except the water to simplify the process.
Determine if you prefer chopped or sliced sweet potatoes. If it is your first time baking this dish, I recommend following the recipe as is for your first time.
How to make the Candied Yams:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut all of the skin from the potatoes, slice them into about ½ thick slices, and rinse them thoroughly.
Place the yams in a baking dish and add the vanilla flavoring. Then season the yams with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
Using your fingers, massage the seasonings throughout all of the yams.
Cover the potatoes with foil and bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours until the yams are fork-tender, but not falling apart.
Then, remove the yams from the oven, add the butter slices throughout the baking dish, recover and place back into the oven to allow the butter to melt.
Remove the yams from the oven and spoon the butter over the yams until all of the potatoes have been moistened.
Oven Baked Candied Yams recipe
Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Vegetable peeler or sharp knife
- Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 large yams sliced
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter- sliced
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps cinnamon
- 2 tbsps nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Cut all of the skin from the potatoes, slice them into about ½ thick slices and rinse them thoroughly.Â
- Place the yams In a baking dish and add the vanilla flavoring. Â
- Then season the yams with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.Â
- Using your fingers, massage the seasonings throughout all of the yams.Â
- Cover with foil and bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours until the yams are fork-tender, but not falling apart.Â
- Remove them from the oven, add the butter slices throughout the baking dish, recover and place the yams back in the oven to allow the butter to melt.
- Remove the yams from the oven and spoon the butter over the yams until all of the potatoes have been moistened.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Uniform Slicing: Slice sweet potatoes into ½-1-inch rounds for even cooking and a tender texture.
- Bake covered first for moisture and tenderness, then uncover to thicken and caramelize the glaze.
- Slow, Gentle Heat: Bake at moderate temperature (350°F) so the sugar caramelizes without burning.
- Baste the yams (spoon the butter and spices over the yams) during the uncovered phase to ensure even glaze and shine.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Bake covered so the sauce reduces and caramelizes beautifully.
- Bake until fork tender, but not falling apart.
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat covered with foil in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The potatoes can also be reheated via microwave (in a microwave safe dish).
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Top with pecans or marshmallows before baking for extra texture.
- Use a combination of granulated and brown sugar for a different flavor profile and thicker sauce.
- Cook the yams via stovetop or in the oven versus baked. I still recommend baking them hands down. Thank me later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Candied Yams in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble everything in your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Can I make Candied Yams via stovetop?
Of course! Assemble all ingredients in pot and cook on low, slow simmering for approximately 45 minutes to an hour or until fork tender.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and bake, then reheat before serving. They taste even better the next day!
How far in advance can I bake the candied yams?
Candied yams can easily be baked the day before and reheated prior to serving.
Why did my candied yams turn out dry?
They may have baked too long or weren't covered enough in sauce-make sure each slice is coated before baking.
Serving Suggestions/More Soul Food Recipes
- Pair with turkey or baked ham for holidays.
- Add collard greens and cornbread for a true Southern plate.
- Serve as a side with fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and collard green for a complete soul food feast.
Cassandra Hamilton says
It's appears to be very easy to follow! . I love the video showing each step. Thank you! I will try this soon!
Ashley Frederick says
Thank you love! Hope you enjoy!