Southern Candied Yams Recipe (Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish)

Name: Southern Candied Yams
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4-5 medium sweet potatoes (about 2.5-3 lb.); ½ cup salted butter (1 stick); 1 cup dark brown sugar; ½ cup granulated white sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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If you’re looking for that one classic Thanksgiving recipe that brings everyone back for seconds (and thirds!), these Southern Candied Yams are it. Made with tender slices of sweet potatoes baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze, this traditional Southern side dish tastes like a warm hug straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re serving them with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or other Thanksgiving favorites, candied yams always steal the show with their rich caramelized flavor and cozy sweetness.

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Southern Candied Yams

Why You’ll Love This Southern Candied Yams Recipe

1. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Holidays
These yams are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Their golden, syrupy glaze pairs perfectly with savory mains, making them a must-have on any Thanksgiving table.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
All you need are pantry staples—sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The ingredients melt together into a luscious caramel glaze that coats every slice.

3. Easy to Prepare and Make Ahead
This recipe is simple enough for beginners but special enough for a holiday celebration. You can even prepare it a day in advance and warm it up before dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4–5 medium sweet potatoes (about 2.5–3 lbs)
½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or mini marshmallows for extra Southern flair.

How to Make Southern Candied Yams

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wash, peel, and slice your sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds. Layer them neatly in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

sliced sweet potatoes on cutting board with knife

layered sweet potato rounds in white baking dish

2. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything blends into a smooth syrup. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Pour and Bake
Evenly pour the warm glaze over the sweet potato slices. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover, gently stir, and bake for another 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze is bubbling and thick.\

sweet potatoes coated with brown sugar glaze in dish

4. Serve Warm
Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools—making it absolutely irresistible!

Tips for the Best Candied Yams

Use even-sized potatoes: This helps them bake evenly and absorb the syrup beautifully.
Don’t skip the cream: Heavy cream makes the glaze richer and silkier. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or orange juice for a fruity twist.
For a thicker glaze: After baking, pour the syrup into a saucepan and simmer for 5–10 minutes to reduce it before drizzling it back over the yams.

How to Serve These Southern Candied Yams

Pairings:
Serve these yams alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, or Almond Green Beans for a colorful, balanced meal.

Presentation:
For an elegant table, serve in a white casserole dish and top with toasted pecans or a few mini marshmallows. Their golden glaze adds the perfect pop of color to any holiday spread.

Beverage Pairings:
Pair with spiced apple cider, sweet tea, or a glass of Chardonnay. The mild sweetness complements both non-alcoholic and festive holiday drinks.

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Stir gently to redistribute the glaze before serving.

baked candied yams with spoon in baking dish

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make candied yams ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving Day, reheat in the oven before serving.

2. What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

True yams have rough brown skin and white flesh, while sweet potatoes (used in this recipe) are orange and naturally sweet. In the U.S., “candied yams” typically use sweet potatoes.

3. Can I use canned yams instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh sweet potatoes give a much better flavor and texture. If using canned, drain well and bake for a shorter time (about 25–30 minutes).

More Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

If you love cozy, comforting sides, try these delicious recipes from Bake with Lina next:

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Feta – A fresh and tangy twist for your fall menu.
Pear Salad Recipe for Thanksgiving – A light and refreshing complement to hearty mains.
Almond Green Beans Thanksgiving Side Dish – A crisp, nutty favorite for your holiday table.

Final Thoughts

These Southern Candied Yams are more than just a side dish—they’re a sweet, nostalgic bite of holiday tradition. With their buttery glaze, warm spices, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite this Thanksgiving and beyond.

For more festive inspiration, be sure to follow my Thanksgiving board on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bakewithlina/

Make these yams once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot at your holiday table!