Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish with Sweet Potatoes
These Southern‑style candied yams combine sweet potatoes with a buttery, spiced glaze that’s glossy, tender, and irresistibly sweet. A classic Thanksgiving side, they bring warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange to the table.
Instructions
-
Prepare the sweet potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks or sticks. -
Make the glaze
In a saucepan melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and the sugars are dissolved. -
Combine yams and glaze
Add the chopped sweet potatoes to the pot with the glaze, tossing to coat them evenly. -
Transfer to baking dish
Spread the coated yams in a single layer in a greased baking dish. -
Bake the yams
Bake at a moderate oven temperature (temperature not specified) until the yams are tender and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, then spoon any remaining sauce over the top before serving.
Video
“Southern Candied Yams - The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish” by Smokin' & Grillin with AB, watch on YouTube.
About this recipe
The dish features peeled and chopped sweet potatoes coated in a rich sauce made from butter, brown and white sugars, spices, vanilla, and fresh orange juice. As the yams bake, the glaze caramelizes, creating a glossy finish that’s both sweet and slightly tangy. Serve the candied yams hot, directly from the baking dish, alongside turkey, stuffing, and gravy for a festive holiday spread. Their vibrant color and comforting flavor make them a crowd‑pleasing addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
