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Classic Southern Candied Yams with Thick Caramelized Glaze

Close-up of thick-cut, perfectly glazed southern candied yams stacked on a white plate.
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Make authentic Southern candied yams on the stovetop. This recipe yields tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, thick, buttery brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced yams in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven in a single layer. Add 1 cup of water to the skillet.
  2. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes until the yams begin to soften slightly. Drain off any excess water.
  3. In a separate small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Heat the sugar mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Do not let it boil rapidly or it may crystallize.
  5. Pour the hot glaze evenly over the softened yams in the skillet. Gently stir to coat the yam slices.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Baste the yams every 10 minutes with the syrup from the bottom of the pan.
  7. After 20 minutes, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring gently and frequently, for another 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is for the liquid to reduce and thicken into a sticky, caramelized glaze that coats the yams.
  8. Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  9. Remove from heat and let the yams rest in the glaze for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a thicker glaze, remove the yams carefully with a slotted spoon once they are tender and set them aside on a plate. Continue to simmer the remaining syrup uncovered over medium heat until it thickens significantly, about 5 to 8 minutes. Pour the thickened syrup back over the yams.
  • If you prefer a baked version, transfer the coated yams to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, basting halfway through.

Nutrition

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