Candied Yams Brown Sugar Butter

The kitchen filled with this incredible buttery cinnamon aroma while these baked, and my sister actually wandered in from the living room asking what bakery I was secretly running in there.

I learned this version from my grandmother who insisted the secret was in how you layer the potato slices so every single one gets saturated in that spiced syrup.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes: Peel these carefully and slice them exactly half an inch thick so they cook evenly and nobody gets underdone pieces
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Use real butter here because the flavor really carries the whole dish
• 1 cup light brown sugar packed: Dark brown works too but light gives that classic candied taste without being too intense
• 1/4 cup water: This helps thin the syrup just enough to coat everything properly
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Freshly ground makes such a difference if you have it
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way so measure carefully
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: This balances all the sugar and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Add this last so the flavor stays bright
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Totally optional but adds such a nice crunch
• Mini marshmallows: Only add these if you want to go full Thanksgiving mode

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375F and grab a 9x13 baking dish giving it a quick coat of butter or cooking spray

Arrange the potatoes:

Lay those sliced rounds in your dish in a single overlapping layer like shingles on a roof

Whisk the syrup:

Combine melted butter with brown sugar water cinnamon nutmeg salt and vanilla until completely smooth

Pour it over:

Drizzle that spiced syrup all over making sure every potato slice gets some love

Cover and bake:

Tent with foil and bake for 30 minutes letting everything steam together

Uncover and finish:

Remove foil baste the potatoes with the bubbling syrup and bake another 15 minutes until tender and glazed

Add toppings if desired:

Sprinkle with nuts or marshmallows and broil just 2 to 3 minutes watching like a hawk so nothing burns

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My uncle who never comments on food actually went back for thirds one Thanksgiving and asked if I could teach him how to make them for his family the next year.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble everything up to a day before and keep it covered in the fridge then just pop it in the oven when you are ready to bake.

Syrup Variations

Try swapping half the brown sugar for maple syrup or add some orange zest right into the mixture for something a little different.

Serving Suggestions

These pair perfectly with roasted turkey glazed ham or pretty much any holiday main you can think of.

• Leftovers reheat in the microwave in about 2 minutes
• Try crumbling them over oatmeal the next morning
• The syrup is incredible over vanilla ice cream

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Hope these become a new tradition at your table too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What's the difference between candied yams and sweet potato casserole?

Candied yams typically feature sliced sweet potatoes baked in syrup on the stovetop or oven, while sweet potato casserole often uses mashed or pureed potatoes topped with marshmallows or pecans. Both are beloved holiday sides with similar flavor profiles.

→ Can I make candied yams ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The flavors often develop and deepen overnight.

→ How do I know when the candied yams are done?

The yams are ready when a fork slides easily through the potato slices and the syrup has thickened to a glossy consistency. The potatoes should be tender but not falling apart, typically after 45 minutes total baking time.

→ Can I substitute maple syrup for brown sugar?

Absolutely. Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more complex flavor. Reduce the water slightly since maple syrup is more liquid than brown sugar. This adds a lovely undertone that complements the warm spices beautifully.

→ What main dishes pair well with candied yams?

Candied yams shine alongside classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. They also complement pork chops, roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian nut loaf. The sweet, buttery profile balances savory main courses perfectly.

→ How do I store leftover candied yams?

Store cooled yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The syrup may need stirring to redistribute as it separates when cold.