Candied yams are sweetened, syrupy yams commonly served as a soul food side dish.
The dish is made by cooking yams or, in many American recipes, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes with sugar and butter. Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, or other spices may be added, and the mixture develops a glossy syrup as it cooks.
In the United States, the words “yam” and “sweet potato” are often used interchangeably in recipes, although true yams are botanically different plants. Most supermarket products labeled yams in American candied-yam recipes are actually sweet potatoes.
Candied yams are a side dish rather than a dessert, though their sweetness can make the distinction seem unclear. They are especially common at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and large family gatherings alongside savory dishes.