How to make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes are a MUST HAVE on every holiday table! They are easy to make with only 4 ingredients. They taste 100 times better than what you get in a can! Candied Yams are a classic holiday dish! Toss the marshmallows and make this dish instead! This post has been updated from November to improve reader experience.

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Stovetop Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is a classic family recipe. This is my Grandma Phyllis’s Candied Sweet Potato Recipe and it is on every holiday table in our house!

Sometimes even when it isn’t a holiday. These sweet potatoes are just that good!

I’ve talked about Grandma Phyllis before and shared her macaroni and cheese recipe. Her meals weren’t fancy because dollars were tight and the family was large. They always served a crowd, were absolutely delicious and filled with love!

Candied Sweet Potatoes

We decided they were a MUST for our on-air segment with Teresa & George from KSEE24 News in 2015. What made this even more fun is that Mom and Dad were here for Thanksgiving and got to join in the fun!

Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potato Recipe

• sweet potatoes
• butter
• brown sugar
• Karo syrup

Can Candied Yams be made ahead?

Yes! This recipe can easily be made a couple of days in advance.

To reheat, remove from the refrigerator, place in an oven proof dish, cover and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Although most potato dishes don’t freeze well, this one does! You can make it several days/weeks in advance. Sealed well, it can be frozen for 4-6 weeks, thawed and reheated.

How to make Candied Sweet Potatoes

I always use an electric skillet when I make this dish. You can just as easily make stovetop candied yams. Place them in a skillet with high sides to avoid drips or a pot.

I like this recipe because it’s not made in the oven. The oven becomes such valuable space when you’re cooking up holiday dinner!

You can’t rush the process to candy the yams. It takes at least an hour. Continue basting the sweet potatoes every 10-15 minutes. Soon the candied yams will begin to glisten and caramelize!

Deb Clark

For more of my holiday side dish recipes not made in the oven click here – additionally if you’re a fan of the Instant Pot, this links has 40+ pressure cooker recipes for side dishes!

Candied Yams Recipe

What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

Ooh, that’s a great question! When you’re at the store you’ll see golden-skinned potatoes. These will have golden flesh on the inside and dark orange potatoes which will be bright orange inside.

The flesh of these potatoes is bright orange. Both are actually sweet potatoes, often labeled incorrectly as yams. Yams have dark skins and are quite starchy.

This is the best reference I’ve found to give you the skinny! Check out this quick read from Kitchn.

Does it make a difference which potato you choose the light or dark-skinned sweet potatoes?

Not at all! I choose the darker colored potatoes just because when they cook up and caramelize, they look so amazing!

We had a blast when the TV crew came by, even Dad got in on the fun! We giggled and laughed and had such a good time!

The show ended with all of us sitting around the table saying what we are thankful for. It was really a wonderful morning!

How do I make sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter?

1. Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and putting them onto boil – you want them just fork tender.
2. Drain well.
3. Place the potatoes into a frying pan or electric skillet.
4. Just add butter, brown sugar and dark Karo syrup and allow the potatoes to bubble and simmer away!
5. Cook the potatoes, basting with the syrup every ten minutes or so.
6. Cook them for at least an hour – an hour and a half is even better to perfectly caramelize the candied yam recipe.

Best ever Candied Sweet Potaotes

If you’d like to see the clip from the show, click this link from the KSEE24 Sunrise Show

Looking for more great side dishes?

Buttered Rutabagas

Buttered Rutabagas are a staple on the holiday table. Simple to make they are boiled until tender, drizzled with milk or cream and topped with rich, creamy butter.

Check out this recipe

Sautéed Brussel Sprouts

Sautéed Brussel Sprout Recipe cooked in butter and olive oil seasoned simply with salt and pepper! A sprinkle of pomegranate arils brightens the flavors of this side dish!

Check out this recipe

Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

Do you roast vegetables? I love roasted broccoli! Topping it with fresh lemon gives it a super bright flavor and fresh taste!

Check out this recipe

Pan Roasted Vegetables

Fresh crisp vegetables lightly sautéed in butter and olive oil until caramelized and sweet. Adding tomatoes at the end makes a delicate light sauce. An easy lightened up side dish that only takes 15 minutes to make!

Check out this recipe

Easy Dinner Rolls

Freshly baked rolls are easy to make using a simple shortcut! Tasty easy dinner rolls that are a perfect side dish at every meal!

Check out this recipe

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Electric Skillet – if you decide to get an electric skillet, I recommend a deep dish.

When you try these candied yams, be sure and leave a five-star rating below! It’s one of our very favorites and I know you’ll love it too! Also if you snap a picture, be sure and tag me on Instagram at @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover – I’d love to see pictures of your tasty eats!

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Candied Yams are a family favorite. This recipe has been in our family for years – it’s sweet and decadent and always served on special occasions. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time1 hr 45 mins

Total Time2 hrs

Course: Vegetables and Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy Candied Sweet Potato Recipe, sweet potatoes, Vegetables and Side Dish

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 432kcal

Author: Deb Clark

Cost: $10

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 stick butter
• 1 1/2 cups Karo Syrup

Instructions

• Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until just fork tender – about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately drain really well.
• Transfer potatoes to a large frypan or electric skillet. Add the remaining ingredients, brown sugar, butter & syrup. Turn heat to medium until the butter and brown sugar melts and the mixture is thick and bubbly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, basting every 10-15 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 110g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 609mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 82g | Vitamin A: 24130IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1.2mg

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