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Southern Candied Yams

A Southern classic made lighter; sweet potatoes baked in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze until tender and caramelized. Perfect for holidays and cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 186
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup sugar or reduce to 3/4 cup for less sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter or coconut oil for dairy-free

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and syrupy. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
  3. Grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange the sweet potato slices in even layers.
  4. Pour the sugar-butter mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the top is caramelized and bubbling.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish is family-friendly and can be adapted for toddlers by lightly mashing the yams and reducing sugar. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to a month.