My Grandma’s Candied Yams Recipe is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that will impress your guests. This baked candied yams recipe is easy to follow and always produces delicious results.
This Southern Candied Yams recipe costs approximately $7.70 to make. It costs about $0.96 per serving and makes eight servings.
Baked Candied Yams
My recipe for Candy Yams is a vintage recipe that has withstood the test of time. Trying a new recipe for the holidays can be stressful, but this recipe has been made so many times throughout the years, so the mistakes have already been made.
What You’ll Love About Candied Yams Casserole:
- Simple Recipe For Beginners: This recipe has been made for many years by my family and has been simplified through the years to make it a straightforward recipe that even a beginner cook can make.
- Flavor and Texture: The soft and tender yams, with the syrupy candied coating, create the perfect texture, adding to the overall natural sweetness of the dish.
- Nostalgic Recipe: A tried and true family recipe that complements any holiday dinner table.
Southern Candied Yams Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
Per Serving Cost: $0.96
Recipe Cost: $7.70
- 3 pounds yams – $3.99
- ½ cup unsalted butter – $1.45
- ¾ cup light brown sugar – $0.42
- ½ cup granulated sugar – $0.15
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – $0.06
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – $0.08
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract – $1.37
- ¼ cup orange juice – $0.18
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in October 2023.
How To Make Candied Yams:
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Then, lay slices evenly in the baking dish.
- Next, add the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat.
- Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- When ready, remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and orange juice until well combined.
- Pour over the yams, stirring gently, to coat the yams.
- Finally, bake for thirty to forty minutes before serving.
Southern Candied Yams Recipe Variations:
- Maple Candied Yams: Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Spiced Candied Yams: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves to the spice mixture.
- Pecan Candied Yams: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the candied yams before baking.
- Bourbon Candied Yams: Add ¼ cup of bourbon to the syrup mixture.
- Marshmallow Candied Yams: Top the candied yams with marshmallows and broil until golden brown.
Grandma’s Candied Yams Recipe Substitutions:
- Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for extra sweet candied yams.
- You can use apple cider or pineapple juice if you don’t have orange juice.
Candy Yams Storage Tips
MAKE IN ADVANCE: To make candied yams in advance, assemble the recipe up to the baking step. Then, cover the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
STORE: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FREEZE: Technically, you can freeze candy yams, but be aware that the texture will change. Let the potatoes cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
THAW: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
REHEAT: To reheat, place the candied yams in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 15-25 minutes or until heated through.
Grandma’s Candied Yams Recipe FAQs
Place candied yams in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to freeze them. Place the container in the freezer for up to three months. Please note that the texture of the yams will change after thawing the dish.
Yams are a version of sweet potatoes. Yams and Sweet Potatoes are different in taste and texture. Sweet Potatoes have a smooth skin that is soft when cooked and has a sweet flavor. Yams have a rough skin that is dry and more comparable to a regular potato.
No, you do not have to boil the yams before baking. You can save time by skipping this step and allowing the yams to roast slowly in the oven.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Salad
- Thanksgiving Planner
- Best Brine for Thanksgiving Turkey
- Stuffed Mushrooms for Thanksgiving
- Best Thanksgiving Jello Salad
- Homemade Gravy for Thanksgiving
- What To Do With Leftover Thanksgiving Ham
- Smoked Sweet Potatoes
- Classic Homemade Stuffing
- Grilled Turkey Breast
Baked Candied Yams
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- small saucepan
- mixing spoon
- cutting board
- chef's knife
Ingredients
- 3 pounds yams or sweet potatoes peeled and sliced ½ inch thick
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup orange juice **see notes
Instructions
PREP OVEN AND PAN:
- Move oven rack to the middle position.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spray a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
ASSEMBLE:
- Evenly lay slices into baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, add butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Cook over medium heat stirring often until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and orange juice until well combined.
- Pour over yams, stir gently to coat the yams evenly.
BAKE AND SERVE:
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until yams are tender
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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