Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s a staple in Southern cooking: Paula Deen’s Candied Yams. This dish features tender yams or sweet potatoes cooked in a rich, buttery, and sweet syrup, making it the perfect side dish for holiday meals or Sunday dinners. With a hint of spice and a beautiful caramelized glaze, these candied yams are sure to be a hit at your table.

Let’s get started!

What are Paula Deen Candied Yams?

Paula Deen’s Candied Yams are a classic Southern side dish made by simmering yams or sweet potatoes in a mixture of butter, sugar, and spices. The result is a sweet, sticky, and buttery dish that’s perfect for pairing with savory mains like roasted turkey or ham. This recipe is simple to make and brings out the natural sweetness of the yams, enhanced by the caramelized syrup.

Other Paula Deen Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Classic Southern flavor: This dish embodies the sweet, rich flavors of traditional Southern cooking.
Perfect for holidays: Candied yams are a must-have on any Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish accessible to any cook.
Kid-friendly: The sweet, caramelized flavor makes this dish a favorite with both kids and adults.
Paula Deen’s touch: A recipe that reflects Paula’s love for comforting, home-cooked meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Paula Deen Candied Yams

To make Paula Deen’s Candied Yams, you’ll need the following Ingredients:

4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan: For cooking the yams in the syrup.
Peeler: To peel the yams or sweet potatoes.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing the yams.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the yams while they cook.

Instructions to Make Paula Deen Candied Yams

Prepare the yams: Peel the yams and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Set aside.
Melt the butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Make the syrup: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt to the melted butter. Stir until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Cook the yams: Add the sliced yams to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the syrup. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook the yams for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the syrup has thickened.
Finish with vanilla: Once the yams are tender, stir in the vanilla extract and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and spoon the syrup over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

What Goes Well With Paula Deen Candied Yams

Roast turkey or ham: A classic pairing for holiday dinners.
Green beans: Serve with green beans or a green bean casserole for a balanced meal.
Cornbread: A side of cornbread complements the sweetness of the yams.
Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a nice contrast to the rich, sweet yams.
Pecan pie: Finish your meal with a classic Southern dessert like pecan pie.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen Candied Yams

Use fresh yams: Fresh yams or sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor.
Don’t rush the cooking: Allow the yams to cook slowly in the syrup to absorb the flavors and become tender.
Adjust the sweetness: Taste the syrup as it cooks and adjust the sugar and spices to your liking.
Stir gently: Be careful when stirring the yams to avoid breaking them apart.
Make ahead: You can prepare the candied yams a day in advance and reheat them gently on the stove before serving.

Variations of Paula Deen Candied Yams

Marshmallow topping: Add mini marshmallows on top of the yams during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a gooey, sweet finish.
Pecan topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Maple syrup: Substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
Orange zest: Add a touch of orange zest to the syrup for a citrusy twist.
Spiced yams: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a more spiced version.

Storing Paula Deen Candied Yams: Best Practices

Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate promptly: Keep the yams chilled to maintain their freshness.
Use within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, consume within a few days.
Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze the candied yams for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Paula Deen Candied Yams: Best Practices

Stovetop reheating: Reheat the yams in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the syrup if needed.
Oven reheating: Reheat the yams in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave reheating: Microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until heated to your liking.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 100mg
Sugar: 35g

How Can I Make Paula Deen Candied Yams Healthier?

To make Paula Deen’s Candied Yams healthier, consider these simple adjustments:

Reduce the sugar: Cut back on the amount of sugar in the syrup, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Use less butter: Reduce the amount of butter, or substitute with a healthier fat like coconut oil.
Add more spices: Enhance the flavor with more cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, allowing you to reduce the sugar without sacrificing taste.
Include nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added protein and healthy fats.
Use fresh orange juice: Replace the water with fresh orange juice for added sweetness and a boost of vitamin C.

FAQs

Can I make Paula Deen’s Candied Yams ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the candied yams a day in advance. Cook the yams according to the recipe, then cool them and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

Can I freeze Paula Deen’s Candied Yams?

Yes, you can freeze candied yams. After cooking, let the yams cool completely, then store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused, but they are different root vegetables. Yams are starchier and drier with rough, dark skin, while sweet potatoes are sweeter, softer, and have smoother skin. However, in the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably, and what’s labeled as yams in stores are usually sweet potatoes.

How do I prevent candied yams from being too sweet?

To prevent candied yams from being too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey. You can also add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice to balance the sweetness with some acidity.

Final Words

Paula Deen’s Candied Yams are a sweet and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. With their tender texture and rich, buttery syrup, these yams are sure to be a favorite at your table. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves classic Southern comfort food. Enjoy the warm, caramelized goodness with every bite!

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