Candied Yams

There’s something about candied yams that instantly feels like home. The gentle simmer of butter, sugar, and spice — that sweet, warm aroma curling through the kitchen — it’s comfort food at its finest. Around here at Made by Madi, we believe every dish should carry a little heart and a whole lot of flavor.

This stovetop candied yam recipe does just that. It brings classic Southern comfort together with a subtle, modern twist — thanks to our very own Sweet Mesquite seasoning blend. The natural smokiness and touch of sugar in Sweet Mesquite transform a simple side into something extraordinary: a dish that’s rich, cozy, and layered with love.

And best of all? You don’t even need an oven. Everything comes together right on your stovetop — simple, soulful, and full of flavor.

What You’ll Need

• 6 small yams (about 2–3 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup water or orange juice

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½–1 teaspoon Made by Madi Sweet Mesquite seasoning

• Optional: pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth

How to Make It

1. Prep your yams:
   Peel and slice yams into thick rounds. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the yams, and cook for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside — they’ll finish cooking in that delicious glaze.

2. Make the syrup:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add both sugars, water (or orange juice), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes glossy and golden.
   Lower the heat and stir in your vanilla and Sweet Mesquite seasoning. This is where the magic happens — that smoky-sweet aroma is unmistakable.

3. Coat and simmer:
   Add the yams to the skillet, turning them carefully to coat every piece. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens into a rich glaze that clings beautifully to the yams.

4. Finish:
   Uncover and cook for another 2–3 minutes to caramelize the edges slightly.

To Serve

Spoon your candied yams into a serving dish and pour that golden syrup over the top. They’re perfect alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or as a sweet, comforting side all on their own.

This dish brings together the warmth of tradition and the creative flavor of Made by Madi — a little sweet, a little smoky, and a whole lot of soul.

Made by Madi Tip

Our Sweet Mesquite seasoning isn’t just for grilling — it’s a year-round favorite for adding warmth and balance to both sweet and savory dishes. Try it on roasted carrots, baked beans, or even sprinkled over buttered cornbread. It’s that signature smoky-sweet flavor that makes every bite feel a little extra special.