Imagine a dish so sweet, comforting, and soul-satisfying that it brings warmth to any meal—this Candied Yams Recipe does just that. With tender slices of yams bathed in a rich, buttery, cinnamon-kissed syrup and finished with optional toasty marshmallows, this recipe is a celebration of Southern-inspired home cooking. Whether you’re gathering for the holidays or simply craving a hearty, sweet side, these candied yams deliver both nostalgia and delightful flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Candied Yams Recipe is simple yet plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. From the creamy butter to the warming spices, every element works together to make this dish unforgettable.
- Yams or sweet potatoes: Peeled and sliced ½-inch thick for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious syrup coating the yams.
- Brown sugar: The star sweetener with deep molasses notes that caramelize beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Helps balance the sweetness and build the syrup’s texture.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings depth and classic holiday comfort.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty aroma and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground ginger (optional): Introduces a gentle heat for extra spice complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the dish from being cloying.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a rich, fragrant note.
- Mini marshmallows (optional): For adding a golden, gooey topping that’s pure indulgence.
How to Make Candied Yams Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Yams
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, peel your yams or sweet potatoes and slice them into even ½-inch rounds. Layer these slices evenly in the dish, creating the perfect base to soak up all that sweet, buttery goodness.
Step 2: Make the Candied Syrup
In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s perfectly smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, optional ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sugars dissolve and you have a glossy, fragrant syrup ready to envelop your yams.
Step 3: Coat and Bake
Pour your luscious syrup evenly over the yam slices, using a spoon to ensure every piece gets coated in that sweet, spiced magic. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the yams soften and absorb those flavors.
Step 4: Caramelize and Finish
Remove the foil and baste the yams with the syrup from the pan to deepen the flavor. Bake uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until the yams are tender and the syrup thickens into a caramelized glaze. For a festive touch, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top in the last 5 minutes and broil until they’re golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Candied Yams Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a touch of orange zest can brighten the flavors and add a delightful crunch to your candied yams. These little finishing touches make the dish pop and add a lovely contrast to the smooth, sweet yams.
Side Dishes
Candied yams pair beautifully with savory mains like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or your favorite Southern fried chicken. Their sweet richness balances salty, hearty dishes perfectly, making them an essential side on any holiday or family table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Candied Yams Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Or layer them in a casserole topped with marshmallows and toasted coconut for a tropical twist. No matter the presentation, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your yams, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The syrup keeps the slices moist and flavorful, so they’re just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
Candied yams freeze well if you want to prep ahead. Place cooled yams and syrup in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move to the refrigerator overnight for gradual defrosting.
Reheating
Rewarm your leftovers covered in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or microwaved in 1-minute increments until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra butter before reheating helps maintain that moist, caramelized texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Absolutely! In many regions, what’s labeled as yams is actually sweet potatoes. Both work beautifully in this recipe, delivering the characteristic sweetness and creamy texture you want.
Is it necessary to peel the yams?
Peeling is recommended to achieve the smooth, soft texture that makes candied yams so irresistible. The skin can be a bit tough and less sweet, but if you prefer, you can leave it on after thoroughly washing the yams.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based butter or coconut oil, and opt out of marshmallows or use vegan versions. The candied syrup will still be rich and flavorful.
What if I want less sweetness?
You can easily reduce the amount of brown and granulated sugar to suit your taste. Keep in mind the syrup’s balance with spices and butter is key, so reduce sugars gradually to maintain that classic flavor.
Why add spices like nutmeg and ginger?
These spices elevate the dish beyond plain sweetness by adding warmth and complexity. Nutmeg provides a subtle nuttiness, while ginger adds a faint spicy kick that makes every bite more interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Yams Recipe is a timeless comfort food that’s both easy to make and endlessly cozy to eat. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family dinner, these sweet, buttery yams bring smiles to the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your new favorite go-to side to impress and satisfy. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Candied Yams Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian,Gluten Free
Description
This classic Southern American side dish features tender, sweet yams baked in a rich, buttery, and spiced sugar glaze. The yams are caramelized to perfection and optionally topped with toasted mini marshmallows, making it a perfect comforting holiday or family dinner accompaniment.
Ingredients
Yams
- 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping (Optional)
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Yams: Arrange the peeled and sliced yams evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer.
- Make the Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger (if using), salt, and vanilla extract. Cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth and syrupy.
- Coat the Yams: Pour the sugar and butter mixture evenly over the yams in the baking dish, using a spoon to ensure the yams are well coated with the glaze.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the yams to start softening and absorb the flavors.
- Baste and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, baste the yams with the syrup pooled in the dish to keep them moist and flavorful, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step helps caramelize the sugar glaze and cook the yams until tender.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional): If desired, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Switch your oven to broil and broil until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the candied yams warm as a delicious side dish perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently before serving to save time on busy days.
- For a flavor twist, add a pinch of orange zest or a splash of maple syrup to the sugar glaze mixture before baking.
- If you prefer less sweetness or want a dairy-free version, reduce the sugar amounts or substitute butter with coconut oil.
- Be vigilant when broiling marshmallows as they can burn quickly; watch closely for evenly browned tops.
