Classic Southern Candied Sweet Yams (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled
02 -
3/4 cup brown sugar
03 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
05 -
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 -
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
Pinch of salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
02 -
Slice sweet potatoes into rounds and place in a large pot covered with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes until edges are tender but centers are still slightly firm. Drain and return to pot.
03 -
In a saucepan, combine butter, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium heat until sugar melts, about 5 minutes.
04 -
Pour sugar mixture over sweet potatoes and gently stir to coat. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, carefully toss potatoes in syrup, then return to oven for 15-20 more minutes until potatoes are done and syrup has caramelized.
05 -
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
A classic holiday side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but delicious year-round. Sweet potatoes are cooked in a rich syrup of butter, brown sugar, and warm spices until perfectly tender and caramelized.
02 -
Can be topped with marshmallows and broiled briefly for a classic variation, or sprinkled with toasted or candied pecans.
03 -
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.