Nothing says comfort food like a warm, caramelized dish of candied yams. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is the ultimate way to bring some sweetness to the table. With tender yams coated in a buttery, brown sugar glaze, this side dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious classic right in your own kitchen!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: Marshmallows for a sweet, toasty topping
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 15 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Candied Yams:
1. Preheat your oven.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the yams.
Peel and cut the yams into 1-inch slices, then arrange them in your greased baking dish in an even layer.
3. Make the brown sugar glaze.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Coat the yams.
Pour the brown sugar glaze evenly over the yams, making sure each piece is well-coated.
5. Bake.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the yams are soft and caramelized. You can baste the yams with the glaze occasionally for an extra burst of flavor.
6. (Optional) Add the marshmallows.
For those who love that extra sweetness, sprinkle marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking. Let them melt and brown into a golden, gooey topping.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Your candied yams are ready to be served! Enjoy this sweet side dish with your favorite holiday meals or alongside any savory main dish.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered!
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes! Sweet potatoes are a perfect alternative to yams in this recipe. Both offer a soft texture and pair beautifully with the sweet brown sugar glaze.
2. How do I store leftover candied yams?
Leftovers? Lucky you! Simply store your leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for prepping in advance. You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
4. Do I need to add marshmallows?
Not at all! Marshmallows are a fun and optional addition. If you prefer a less sweet side dish, you can skip them without losing any flavor from the candied yams themselves.
Tips for Perfect Candied Yams:
- Baste your yams: For maximum flavor, baste the yams with the brown sugar glaze a few times during baking.
- Add a pinch of salt: Just a small sprinkle of salt over the yams before baking can help balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and butter.
- Spice it up: Feel free to add a little extra cinnamon or even a touch of ginger for a spicier kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Candied yams are a crowd-pleaser and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you add marshmallows or enjoy them as-is, this dish is a must-have for holiday gatherings or special family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making your holiday meal planning that much simpler.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Your family will surely ask for seconds (and maybe even thirds
