Description
Southern Candied Yams are a timeless classic side dish featuring tender, naturally sweet sweet potatoes glazed with a rich sauce made from natural brown sugar, plant-based butter, natural spices, natural apple cider vinegar, smoked turkey bacon, and a touch of natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This recipe balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, creating a comforting dish perfect for any meal from festive gatherings to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into uniform rounds or chunks
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into uniform rounds or chunks to ensure even cooking. This step sets the foundation for perfectly tender yams.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet, render the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp and releases its flavorful fat, which will help enhance the sauce.
- Combine Sugars and Spices: Add the plant-based butter, brown sugar (natural), cinnamon (natural), nutmeg (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural apple cider vinegar, pure vanilla extract (natural), and a pinch of the natural gelling agent to the skillet with bacon fat. Stir until fully melted and combined for a luscious glaze.
- Simmer the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet, gently coating them in the rich sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed the flavors, roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid, increase heat slightly to thicken the sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and coats every yam slice beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose fresh sweet potatoes for firmer texture.
- Slice sweet potatoes evenly for consistent tenderness.
- Simmer on low heat to meld flavors without burning sugars.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar (natural) or plant-based maple syrup to taste.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and caramel burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Southern Candied Yams, Sweet Potatoes, Candied Yams, Southern Side Dish, Comfort Food, Smoky Sweet Potatoes, Vegan Options, Plant-Based
