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High-angle view of a candied yams recipe featuring a brown butter and sea salt finishing glaze in a minimalist ceramic vessel.
Elsie Rol

Perfect Southern Candied Yams With Brown Butter

Experience the ultimate Southern soul food with these velvety candied yams. Featuring a rich brown butter glaze and a hint of citrus, this recipe delivers a perfectly caramelized holiday masterpiece that clings to every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb sweet potatoes
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar or light brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 stick butter
  • 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate thawed

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes
  1. Scrub the sweet potatoes well and peel away their skins. Slice the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
Crafting the Velvety Glaze
  1. In a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the stick of butter over medium-high heat. Watch closely as it bubbles and foams until the milk solids brown and a nutty aroma fills the air.
  2. Add the sliced sweet potatoes, dark and white sugars, thawed orange juice concentrate, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir gently until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
The Gentle Simmer
  1. Cover the pot and allow the yams to simmer gently for about 50 minutes. Check for tenderness; they should be soft but not falling apart.
Thickening to Perfection
  1. Remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let the syrup come to a gentle boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a luxurious glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
The Finishing Touch
  1. Remove the pot from the stove once the glaze is thick and glossy. Keep the yams warm in a low oven until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 185mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 5gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 15500IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Storage Tip: Allow the candied yams to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Tip: Warm the yams gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the buttery glaze from separating.
Cooking Tip: Always use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the sugars from scorching, which can ruin the caramelization.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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