Nothing says “holiday comfort” quite like a warm dish of candied yams on the dinner table. This timeless Southern dish is a staple during festive gatherings, known for its sweet and caramelized flavors that bring comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner or just craving something sweet and savory, this candied yams recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Simple to prepare and made with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen, this dish brings the perfect blend of spices and sweetness to any meal.
What Are Candied Yams?
Candied yams are not only a delicious holiday treat, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. The dish features tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes (often mistakenly called yams) coated in a sweet, buttery glaze, then baked until perfectly caramelized. With each bite, you get a harmonious combination of soft, syrupy yams and crispy, sweet topping.
Now, let’s dive into how you can create the ultimate candied yams recipe to wow your guests and family this holiday season.
Description
This candied yams recipe is the perfect side dish for any festive gathering. With tender sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a buttery glaze, these yams are bound to steal the spotlight at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional, for added crunch and texture).
- Marshmallows (optional topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1-inch rounds. Place them in the greased baking dish in an even layer.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure each slice is evenly coated. For an extra flavor boost, toss in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze is thick and bubbling.
- Optional Topping: For a more indulgent treat, add marshmallows to the top of the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking. Allow them to melt and turn golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Candied yams are a holiday favorite, and this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Sweet & Savory Flavor: The buttery glaze mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg adds depth to the naturally sweet yams.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe with toppings like marshmallows or pecans, or adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Kid-Friendly: With their soft texture and sweet taste, candied yams are a hit even with picky eaters.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions:
- Sweet Potatoes: Often called yams in the U.S., these are the star of the dish. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with real yams, but note that the texture and taste will be slightly different.
- Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup: These sweeteners help create the caramelized glaze that defines candied yams. If you’re out of maple syrup, honey makes a great alternative.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the dish. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for adding warmth to the dish. Ground ginger is optional but adds a nice spicy kick. You can also substitute or add allspice or cloves for a more complex flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Marshmallows add a fun, gooey sweetness to the dish, while chopped pecans bring a crunchy contrast.
How to Make Candied Yams (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat and Prep: Always start by preheating your oven to ensure even cooking. Prep the sweet potatoes by peeling and cutting them into rounds so they cook evenly.
- Create the Glaze: The magic of candied yams lies in the rich, buttery glaze. Melt the butter first, then slowly add the sugars and spices to avoid clumping. Keep stirring until everything dissolves to a smooth syrupy consistency.
- Bake to Perfection: The secret to perfect candied yams is baking them low and slow. Covering them initially ensures that the potatoes steam and soften, while the final uncovered bake allows the glaze to thicken and caramelize.
- Final Touches: Marshmallows or pecans are optional but highly recommended for added texture. Be sure to watch the marshmallows carefully to prevent burning.
Expert Tips for Success:
- Cut Evenly: To ensure that your sweet potatoes cook uniformly, cut them into slices of the same thickness.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the yams during the final 10 minutes of baking. Overbaking can lead to a mushy texture, which you want to avoid.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg rather than pre-ground spices.
- Add a Citrus Twist: A little orange zest or juice in the glaze can brighten up the flavors for a fresh twist on this classic recipe.
Variations and Customizations:
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or opt for only brown sugar.
- Spicy Kick: For a fun twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a hint of heat that contrasts with the sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
- Storage: You can store candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To warm them up, place the yams in an oven-safe dish and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For individual portions, you can use the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
Serving Suggestions:
Candied yams are the perfect complement to any holiday meal, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of main courses:
- Roast Turkey or Ham: A classic pairing for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- Grilled Chicken: The natural sweetness of the yams complements the rich, savory taste of grilled or roasted chicken perfectly.
- Vegetarian Spread: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a complete vegetarian feast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Is it possible to prepare candied yams in advance?
A: You can make the yams and glaze a day in advance and keep them chilled in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and enjoy!
Q: Can I use canned yams?
A: While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended, If you opt for canned yams, make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse them before adding them to your recipe.
Q: How can I reduce the sugar content?
A: To make the dish less sweet, reduce the brown sugar or skip the granulated sugar altogether. You can also substitute with a sugar-free sweetener.
Related Recipes:
If you loved this candied yams recipe, check out these other sweet recipes :
Candied yams are more than just a holiday side dish; they’re a comforting tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Whether you’re preparing for a festive feast or simply craving a sweet and savory treat, this candied yams recipe is the perfect choice. Happy cooking!
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