Candied Yams Recipe: A Sweet and Comforting Classic
Hello, friends. It’s Olivia Rose Carter here, and I’m thrilled to introduce candied yams, one of my favorite cozy side dishes. This traditional recipe tastes excellent any time of year, but it’s particularly delicious during the holidays. Sweet, buttery, and subtly spiced candied yams are ideal for savory meals like roasted meats or vegetables. The finest aspect? They’re usually a hit with the audience and simple to create!
My story with Candied Yams
My memories of family meals and holidays spent together around the table, indulging in various rich, cozy delicacies, are instantly evoked by candied yams. My grandma used to prepare yams every time, and I used to look forward to eating them since they were so sweet and syrupy. I’m excited to offer the recipe I’ve modified over the years, bringing the right amount of spice and sweetness to balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Comforting: Yams that have been candied are the ideal balance of buttery, sweet, and soft.
- Perfect for holidays or anytime: Although this meal is often served at Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’ll want to prepare it all year long because it’s so delicious.
Simple Ingredients: Most of these items are already in your cupboard.
Candied Yams Recipe: A Sweet and Comforting Classic
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes45
minutes350
kcalOlivia Rose Carter offers her warm and nostalgic candied yam recipe, which is appropriate for any season or occasion. These yams are the perfect side dish for savory meals since they are sweet, buttery, and flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon. They’re guaranteed to delight the audience and are simple to produce and customize!
Ingredients
For the Candied Yams:
Four large yams (or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds)
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Optional: marshmallows for topping
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the yams. Peel and slice the yams into 1/2-inch-thick rounds and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the sliced yams, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes, basting the yams with the sauce every 5 minutes.
- Optional topping: Add marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking and broil until golden for an extra sweet touch.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness!
Recipe Video
Instruments:
- Baking dish
- Small bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem #1: Yams Too Soft or Mushy
- Solution: Monitor the baking period. Use a fork to pierce the yams to check for doneness and shorten the second baking time if you want them firmer.
Problem #2: Sauce Too Thin
- Solution: To remedy this, boil the sauce for a few minutes on the stovetop before covering the yams with it. This will contribute to the sauce’s thickness and give it a more syrupy feel.
Problem #3: Yams Not Sweet Enough
- Solution: You may adjust the recipe’s sweetness by adding more maple syrup or brown sugar if your tomatoes are sweeter. Before serving, you may optionally pour some more syrup on top.
U.S. Friendly Ingredient Substitutions
- Yams: If you’d like, you can use sweet potatoes instead of yams. Both will function well in this recipe.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar may be used in its place if you don’t have any on hand.
Marshmallows: If you dislike marshmallows, leave them out or add chopped nuts to the top of the yams for more flavor and texture.
My Tips for Perfect Candied Yams
I’ve discovered over the years that the secret to perfectly candied yams is striking the appropriate balance between sweetness and spice. The sweetness comes from the brown sugar and maple syrup, while the warmth comes from the cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a pinch of cloves or a dash of ground ginger for a flavor boost.
The simplicity of customization offered by this recipe is one of its finest features. Depending on your taste, you may adjust the sweetness. If, like me, you like marshmallow topping, you can add it to the last few minutes of baking to get that golden, gooey bliss.
Conclusion
The ultimate comfort meal, candied yams are ideal for holiday feasts or whenever you’re in the mood for something sugary and filling. This recipe is guaranteed to please your family and friends, whether you serve it as an appetizer for Thanksgiving or have it with a midweek supper.
I hope you like creating this recipe for candied yams as much as I do! Please let me know how it comes out, and feel free to share any other versions of this traditional meal you may have.
Until next time,
Olivia Rose Carter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Actually! Prepare the yams and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake them in the oven according to the recipe.
What should I serve with candied yams?
Caramelized yams are an excellent complement to roasted poultry, ham, or turkey. They also go well with savory side dishes like mac & cheese, stuffing, or green beans.
How do I store leftovers?
The candied yams can be refrigerated for three days in an airtight container. Before serving, reheat them in the microwave or oven.
