Delicious Southern Slow Cooker Candied Yams: Your Ultimate Holiday Side Dish

There’s nothing quite like a classic holiday side dish to bring warmth and comfort to your table, and these **Southern slow cooker candied yams** are no exception. Imagine tender, sweet potatoes bathed in a rich, buttery, brown sugar glaze, infused with aromatic spices, all slowly cooked to caramelized perfection. This beloved recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s the ideal accompaniment to a juicy roast turkey, complementing its savory flavors, and pairs wonderfully with creamy 4 cheese mac and cheese for a truly indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Candied Yam Recipe

This slow cooker method for candied yams offers several compelling reasons why it should be your go-to recipe, especially during busy holiday seasons:

Unbeatable Texture: Forget mushy or undercooked yams. These sweet potatoes are slow-cooked to achieve a truly perfect texture – fork-tender without falling apart, and beautifully caramelized with a glossy, sweet coating. The long, slow cooking process allows the sugars to meld and create an irresistible, syrupy glaze that coats every piece.
Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does most of the work for you! After a little prep work (peeling and slicing), you simply combine all the ingredients and let your crockpot work its magic. This hands-off approach frees up valuable oven space and allows you to focus on other dishes or enjoy time with your loved ones.
Rich, Deep Flavor: By slow cooking, the sweet potatoes have ample time to absorb the rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This results in a much more profound and satisfying taste compared to quick-cooked versions.
Versatile and Customizable: While delicious on their own, these candied yams are incredibly versatile. You can serve them simply, allowing the natural sweetness and spice to shine, or easily elevate them with various additions. Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch, or top them with fluffy marshmallows during the last few minutes of cooking for extra sweetness and a beautiful golden-brown finish.
A Healthier Alternative to Canned: Making candied yams from scratch ensures you know exactly what goes into your dish. It’s a significantly fresher and more flavorful option than relying on overly sweet, processed canned varieties. You control the quality of ingredients and the amount of sugar, allowing for a more wholesome and delicious result.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Candied Yams

While the recipe calls for “yams,” it’s important to clarify that in the U.S., what are commonly sold as “yams” are actually varieties of sweet potatoes. True yams are starchy tubers with a rougher skin, while sweet potatoes have smoother skin and a sweeter flesh. For this recipe, you’ll want to use sweet potatoes (often labeled as yams in many grocery stores, particularly the orange-fleshed varieties). Here’s what to consider:

Yams/Sweet Potatoes: You have a few options here. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet are excellent choices for their vibrant color and naturally sweet, moist texture, which becomes incredibly creamy when slow-cooked. Hannah or Japanese sweet potatoes (white or purple-skinned) can also be used for a slightly less sweet, firmer result. Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar work well. Dark brown sugar will impart a deeper molasses flavor, resulting in a richer, more caramel-like glaze. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, you can slightly reduce the total amount of brown sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dish. It adds richness and helps create that glossy, irresistible sauce. Make sure it’s melted for easy incorporation.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Orange Zest): These warm spices are crucial for that classic Southern flavor profile. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add depth and a comforting aroma. Fresh orange zest brightens the entire dish, adding a subtle citrus note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the yams. Don’t skip it!
Honey: A touch of honey adds another layer of sweetness and a lovely sticky quality to the glaze, enhancing the caramelization.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic finish.
Cornstarch and Water: This is your secret weapon for achieving a perfectly thick, luxurious glaze. The cornstarch slurry helps to thicken the sauce without making it cloudy, ensuring your candied yams are beautifully coated.

How To Master Slow Cooker Candied Yams

Making these Southern candied yams in your slow cooker is a straightforward process, ensuring tender results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable side dish:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly peeling your yams (sweet potatoes). Once peeled, slice them into even 1-inch thick rounds or chunks. Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Set them aside. Prepare your slow cooker by spraying the interior generously with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Create the Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 1/2 cups of water. Whisk this mixture until it’s completely smooth and no lumps remain. This slurry will be added later to ensure your sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the sliced yams to the prepared slow cooker. Now, pour in all the remaining ingredients: brown sugar (both measures), honey, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Gently mix everything together with a large spoon or spatula, ensuring that all the sweet potato pieces are well coated in the sweet and spicy mixture.
Initial Cooking Phase: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the HIGH setting for 3 hours. The sweet potatoes will soften, and a delicious liquid will form from the melting butter and sugars.
Thicken the Sauce: After 3 hours, check the consistency of the sauce. If it’s not as thick as you’d like, prepare a small, additional cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of water with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. Gently stir this into the slow cooker with the yams, being careful not to break up the tender sweet potatoes.
Final Cooking: Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH, or until the sauce has reached a beautiful, thick, and glossy consistency. The yams should be incredibly tender, easily pierced with a fork, and coated in that rich, caramelized glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Expert Tips for the Best Candied Yams

Achieving perfectly tender and lusciously glazed candied yams is simple with these additional tips:

Consistent Slicing is Crucial: To ensure all your sweet potato pieces cook at the same rate and reach the desired tenderness simultaneously, make sure to slice them into uniform 1-inch pieces. Irregularly sized pieces will result in some being overcooked and mushy, while others might still be firm.
Handle Gently After Cooking: Once the yams are tender and the sauce is thick, be very gentle when stirring or serving them. They will be delicate and can easily fall apart if mixed too vigorously. Use a large, soft spatula to scoop them out.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Traditional candied yams are quite sweet, as the name suggests! However, palates vary. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can always reduce the amount of brown sugar by a quarter cup or so without significantly impacting the texture or flavor. Taste the sauce towards the end of cooking and adjust if necessary.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Slow Cooker: For optimal cooking and even heat distribution, avoid overfilling your slow cooker. The yams should fit comfortably, ideally filling no more than two-thirds of the pot. If you’re making a very large batch, consider using two slow cookers or cooking in batches.
Consider a Touch of Spice: While cinnamon and nutmeg are staples, feel free to experiment with a tiny pinch of ground ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. A small dash of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle, unexpected kick that balances the sweetness.
Garnish for Presentation: For an extra special touch, consider garnishing your finished candied yams. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, while toasted pecans or walnuts provide a delightful textural contrast. For a truly decadent holiday version, a layer of mini marshmallows broiled for a few minutes until golden and bubbly is always a crowd-pleaser.

Slow Cooker vs. Oven: Do I Need a Slow Cooker for Candied Yams?

While this recipe specifically highlights the convenience and benefits of using a slow cooker, you absolutely don’t need one to make delicious candied yams. An oven-baked version is just as delightful and offers a slightly different texture, often with more caramelized edges. These oven-baked candied yams from the same source were baked in the oven and turned out just as mouthwatering! The slow cooker simply offers a hands-off approach, consistent heat, and a deeply tender result with a consistently thick sauce, making it perfect for busy holidays when oven space is at a premium.

How Long Will Candied Yams Stay Warm in a Slow Cooker?

One of the many advantages of using a slow cooker for your holiday side dishes is its ability to keep food warm for extended periods without overcooking. Once your candied yams are finished cooking, you can simply switch your slow cooker to the “warm” function. They will stay warm and perfectly tender for about 2 hours without becoming mushy or falling apart. This feature is incredibly helpful for timing your holiday meal or for potlucks where you need to transport food.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These slow cooker candied yams are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of dishes. They are a quintessential holiday side, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, but also a comforting addition to any Sunday dinner. Here are some ideas:

Classic Holiday Pairing: Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
Southern Comfort: Complement with other Southern classics like 4 cheese mac and cheese, collard greens, or cornbread dressing.
For a Crowd: They are excellent for potlucks or large family gatherings due to their make-ahead and warm-holding capabilities.
Sweet Additions: As mentioned, top with mini marshmallows during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking (or broil quickly after cooking) until golden.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in a half cup of toasted pecans or walnuts during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture and flavor.
Citrus Boost: Enhance the orange zest by adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to the sauce.
A Hint of Booze: For an adult twist, a splash of bourbon or rum (1-2 tablespoons) can add a complex depth to the glaze. Add it with the other liquid ingredients.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover slow cooker candied yams are a delightful treat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave, on the stovetop over low heat, or back in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until heated through. Add a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce has become too thick during storage.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of slow cooker cooking, here are some other fantastic recipes to try:

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn – A creamy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole – Another classic holiday side dish, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken – A tender and flavorful main course that goes great with these candied yams!
Crockpot Mac and Cheese – The ultimate comfort food, with classic mac and cheese made in the slow cooker for easy perfection.

We hope you enjoy making these incredible Southern slow cooker candied yams as much as we do! If you tried this recipe, please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

5 from 8 votes

Slow Cooker Candied Yams

By

Julie Maestre

These slow cooker candied yams are sweet potatoes tossed in brown sugar, butter, spices, then slow cooked until perfection!

Prep:

20 minutes

Cook:

3 hours

30 minutes

Total:

3 hours

50 minutes

Servings:
8

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Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

▢

4
lbs
yams,
peeled and sliced into 1-inch slices
▢

1
cup
brown sugar
▢

1/4
cup
brown sugar
▢

3
tbsp
honey
▢

1/2
cup
butter ,
melted
▢

1
tsp
cinnamon,
ground
▢

1/4
tsp
nutmeg,
ground
▢

1/4
tsp
orange zest
▢

2
tsp
vanilla extract

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Peel the yams and slice them into 1-inch slices and set them. Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp cornstarch and 1 1/2 cups water. Mix well.
Add the yams to the slow cooker along with all of the ingredients. Mix well.
Cook on high for 3 hours. If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix 1 tsp of water and 1 tsp of cornstarch. Add it to the slow cooker and mix gently.
Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce is nice and thick. Serve warm.

Notes

Make sure to slice the yams into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Once the yams are done cooking, mix them very gently so they don’t fall apart!
Traditional candied yams are very sweet, you can always reduce the sugar amount if you don’t like it too sweet.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

3 hours

30 minutes

Total Time:

3 hours

50 minutes

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8

Calories:
455

Keyword:
crockpot candied yams, how to make candied yams, slow cooker candied yams

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