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Classic Southern Baked Candied Yams with Brown Sugar Glaze

Close-up of thick-cut, glazed candied yams swimming in a rich, brown syrup and sprinkled with spices.

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You create tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. This is a comforting, classic side dish perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 kg sweet potatoes (often called yams in the South), peeled and sliced into 1.25 cm rounds
  • 115 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 240 g dark brown sugar, packed
  • 60 ml pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the glaze is smooth.
  3. Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the glaze mixture. Gently toss them until every slice is fully coated.
  4. Arrange the coated sweet potato slices in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining glaze over the top.
  5. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened into a rich caramel sauce.
  6. If you choose to use marshmallows, remove the dish from the oven for the last 5 minutes of baking. Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the top and return to the oven until they are puffed and golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a stovetop version, you can simmer the coated slices in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce reduces and thickens around the potatoes.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar amount by 1/4 cup.
  • This dish works well as a make-ahead side; prepare the potatoes and glaze, assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the initial bake time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

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