Southern Candied Yams Thanksgiving Recipe

Baked candied yams are an absolute must-have during the holiday season, a dish that graces every festive table with its delicious presence. Imagine a warm, inviting platter of yams glistening in a rich, syrupy glaze, filling the air with the comforting aromas of Apple Pie spice, nutmeg, and brown sugar. These sweet, tender yams are the perfect complement to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner—truly, they elevate any gathering. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking they’re only for special occasions! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it easy to whip up any time you crave that comforting taste of Soul Food. So, whether you’re looking to dazzle your family during a holiday feast or simply want to indulge in a beloved classic with your everyday meal, you’ll find that candied yams are just as satisfying any day of the year. 

Now that I’ve piqued your interest, let me guide you through my cherished recipe for these famous candied yams, where each step will bring you closer to creating a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste!

Ingredients You Need for Baked Candied Yams:

To create the delectable sweet and buttery candied yam sauce that envelops these beautiful yams in a luscious, caramelized glaze, you’ll want to gather some key ingredients. This rich and delightful mixture, which I lovingly drizzle over the yams, brings together the creamy richness of butter, the sweet embrace of sugar, and a medley of aromatic spices that elevate the flavor profile. Here’s what you need to make this irresistible sauce:

**Unsalted Butter**: It’s crucial to use real unsalted butter for this recipe. Substituting with margarine or other spreads can alter the texture and consistency of the candied mixture, making it difficult to achieve the perfect blend that holds everything together.

**Brown Sugar**: You have the option of using either light or dark brown sugar in this recipe, both of which are refined. The primary distinction lies in the amount of molasses present; dark brown sugar contains a higher percentage, giving it a richer and more robust flavor profile.

**White Sugar**: For this dish, I recommend using standard granulated white sugar. It provides the necessary sweetness and helps balance the flavors of the other ingredients.

**Madagascar Vanilla Extract**: It’s vital to choose natural Madagascar vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla. The genuine extract brings a warmth and complexity to the flavor that artificial versions simply cannot replicate.

**Butterscotch**: This ingredient contributes a delightful, sweet candy flavor to the candied yams, enhancing their overall taste and making them irresistible.

**Spices**: For the perfect candied yam seasoning, I incorporate a blend of Apple Pie Spice, kosher salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Each spice adds its own unique flavor, but feel free to adjust or omit any that don’t suit your palate.

**Pure Lemon Extract**: I use Watkins pure lemon extract to infuse the yams with a bright, citrusy flavor that elevates the dish and balances its sweetness.

**Butter Extract**: This ingredient adds an extra layer of buttery richness to the recipe, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other components.

**Blood Orange**: Including blood orange gives the dish added depth and complexity, enriching the overall taste and aroma, while providing a unique and vibrant twist.

Measurements:

Directions:

Begin by thoroughly peeling and washing the yams. You might wonder why washing is necessary if we’re peeling them; it’s to ensure that the skin grime doesn’t transfer onto that beautiful, vibrant orange flesh. A vegetable peeler works wonders for this task, making the peeling process quick and easy.

Next, cut the yams into half-inch circles instead of chunks. This method provides a delightful texture and allows them to cook evenly. If you’re working with medium-sized yams, this size is just right. For larger or smaller yams, trust your judgment and adjust accordingly. Once cut, spread the yam slices evenly in your baking dish, creating a luscious layer that will soak up the flavors.

Now it’s time to make the candied yam sauce. If you’re pressed for time or lack an extra burner, consider an easy shortcut: place all your ingredients in a measuring cup and microwave them for about one minute. For a more traditional approach, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt a whole stick and half a stick of butter until it’s completely liquefied. Once the butter is melted, stir in the sugar, warm spices, and your liquid ingredients. Mix the contents until the sugar has fully dissolved, taking care to turn off the heat before adding the vanilla extract. This step is crucial as overheating can cause the sugar to burn, ruining the sauce’s delicate flavor.

Pour the silky glaze generously over the yam slices, ensuring each piece is lovingly covered in that sweet mixture. Don’t hesitate to gently stir the yams, making sure they are all well-coated with that delectable sauce.

Cover the dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 30 minutes. At this point, the yams will still need more time to become tender, but it’s important to check on them.

After the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil and baste the yams with the heavenly candied sauce that has formed in the bottom of the dish. Use a spoon to stir and coat them thoroughly, infusing the yams with that caramelized goodness. Replace the foil and return them to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Once done, resist the urge to serve immediately. Allow the candied yams to sit for a moment before serving. This resting time lets the glaze thicken beautifully, creating the perfect caramel sauce for your dish. Plus, it prevents you from serving molten sugar to your guests—no one wants to experience that! Enjoy the rich, velvety results of your labor, and watch as everyone savors each delightful bite.

**Candied Yams Recipe Variations, Pro-Tips, and FAQs**

Everyone has their preferred method for crafting the perfect candied yams, and I firmly believe my approach stands out as the best! Regardless, my goal is to ensure that you create a delicious side dish that leaves everyone asking for more. Should you have any questions, I’m here to provide clarity! For optimal results, I highly encourage following the written recipe closely.

**What to Do with Leftover Baked Candied Yams**

First things first: these delightful, candied yams tend to disappear quickly, so you may find yourself lucky if there are any leftovers! If, by chance, you do have some remaining, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to three days.

**How to Reheat Baked Candied Yams**

*In the Oven*: To reheat in the oven, transfer the yams to an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the yams to warm for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are heated through.

*In the Microwave*: If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave is a great option. Place the yams in a microwave-safe container and heat them in 30 to 60 second intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You can cover the dish with vented plastic wrap to keep some steam in but be sure to avoid using foil!

**Can You Freeze These Baked Candied Yams? **

While you might think about freezing leftovers, I don’t recommend it for baked candied yams. Freezing can alter the texture, causing the yams to become mushy and unappetizing once thawed.

**Can You Make Candied Yams Ahead of Time? **

I must admit, this recipe truly shines when made fresh the same day, and it’s incredibly simple too! However, if you’d like to prepare in advance, you can absolutely make baked candied yams ahead of time. Start by peeling and cutting the yams, then generously coat them with your delicious sauce. It’s important to let the sauce cool completely before storing the prepared yams in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just cover the dish with foil and follow the baking instructions outlined in my recipe. Enjoy the sweet, rich flavors of these delectable yams fresh from the oven!

Equipment You can Used:

Utensils: To cut and to mix the sauce and stir the yams.

Billy (Wavy Crinkle Knife)

Lucy Glass Spoons (Clear Glass Stirring Spoons Transparent)

A 9×13 Cast Iron Casserole, Black Baking Dish

Medium Saucepan pot for candied yam sauce Excalibur Clear Cooking Pot (Beautiful Glass Kitchenware

Aluminum Foil: 12″ x 1000′ Food Service Standard Aluminum Foil Roll

A Cutting Board Clear Cut Plus ( Invisible Cutting Board)

Measuring Cup Tempo High Temperature Measuring Cup 250ml/350ml (high-quality borosilicate glass Measurement Cup

**Delicious Candied Yams Recipe**

Baked candied yams are an absolute must-have during the holiday season, a dish that

graces every festive table with its delicious presence. Imagine a warm, inviting platter of

yams glistening in a rich, syrupy glaze, filling the air with the comforting aromas of Apple

Pie spice, nutmeg, and brown sugar. These sweet, tender yams are the perfect

complement to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner—truly, they elevate any

gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Side Dish

Ingredients

  

• 6 medium yams
• 1 ½ stick salted butter softened
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp apple spice
• 1 tsp butterscotch
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, not imitation
• 1 tbsp pure lemon extract
• 1 tbsp  butter extract
• 1/2 blood orange squeezed

Instructions

 

• Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F, filling your kitchen with warmth in anticipation of a delightful dish.
• Take the yams and give them a thorough wash under cool running water to remove any dirt or imperfections. Once clean, carefully peel the yams, revealing their vibrant, orange flesh underneath.
• Next, chop the yams into even pieces, aiming for about 1/2-inch-thick slices. This uniformity ensures they cook evenly and develop that perfect texture.
• Place the chopped yams into a spacious 9×13 baking dish, creating a foundation for your sweet creation.
• In a medium-sized pot, add a generous amount of butter and set it on the stove over medium heat. Watch as the rich golden butter melts into a luscious liquid.
• Once the butter is fully melted, sprinkle in a blend of white and brown sugar, a hint of ground nutmeg, and fragrant Apple Spice and Kosher salt . For an extra layer of deliciousness, add a splash of butterscotch, pure lemon extract, and a squeeze of fresh blood orange juice.
• Turn off the heat and mix these ingredients together until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a sweet and aromatic glaze. Just before proceeding, stir in the vanilla extract to brighten up the flavors.
• Gently pour the luscious, candied mixture over the yams, ensuring each slice is generously coated with the buttery brown sugar glaze.
• Now, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap all the warmth and moisture inside, then slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the yams to absorb the rich flavors and begin to soften.
• After half an hour, carefully remove the yams from the oven. With a spoon, baste them with the candied mixture to ensure each piece is well-glazed. Give everything a gentle toss to maintain an even coating.
• Cover the dish again and return it to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This final baking will transform the yams into tender morsels that practically melt in your mouth.
• Once done, remove the yams from the oven. They should be incredibly soft and inviting. Set them aside for about 10 minutes before serving; this allows the glaze to thicken and enhance the flavor.
• Finally, enjoy your beautifully prepared candied yams, perfect as a side dish or a delightful treat on your table.