Description
This Southern Baked Candied Yams recipe features tender sweet yams baked in a rich, buttery candied syrup infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. The harmonious balance of sweetness and spice makes this classic side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting Southern meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Yams
- 5 medium sized sweet yams, peeled, washed, and cut into pieces
Candied Syrup
- 7 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the yams.
- Make Candied Syrup: In a deep skillet on low to medium heat, melt the butter and add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir quickly and continuously to combine the sugars with the butter thoroughly.
- Add Spices and Vanilla: Stir in the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger, and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Continue stirring to evenly incorporate all the flavorings.
- Simmer Syrup: Allow the candied syrup mixture to come to a slow simmer on the stovetop, then immediately turn off the heat to prevent burning.
- Combine Yams and Syrup: Transfer the candied syrup onto the prepared sweet yam pieces in a baking dish, ensuring the yams are thoroughly coated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the yams for 35-40 minutes on each side, removing the foil to rotate them halfway through for even cooking and syrup distribution.
- Check Tenderness: After a total of about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes of baking, check the yams for desired tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- Serve: Once tender and beautifully glazed, remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth Southern baked candied yams!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of allspice according to your preference for spice intensity.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the candied syrup mixture.
- Yams can be substituted with sweet potatoes if desired.
- Be sure to rotate the yams during baking for even caramelization and cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: Southern Baked Candied Yams, Candied Yams, Sweet Potato Side Dish, Southern Side Dish, Holiday Side Dish, Baked Sweet Potatoes
