There’s something magical about the rich, caramelized sweetness of Candied Yams that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth yams with a glossy, buttery glaze that’s both indulgent and comforting. In just 55 minutes, you can create a side that’s perfect for holidays or cozy weeknights, offering a balance of creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of soft yams and a slightly crisp, sugary crust, enhanced by hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Packed with vitamin A and a touch of natural sweetness, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, these yams are sure to become a favorite.
What You’ll Need for Candied Yams
- 2 lb sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter (can substitute with salted butter, but reduce added salt)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
How to Make Candied Yams
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sweet potato chunks into a 9”x9” or 11”x7” baking dish and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium/low heat, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Cook until the butter is melted, stirring occasionally.
- Once the butter is melted, bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
- Pour the mixture over the sweet potato chunks in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. The yams are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Sweeten It Up: Sauce and Topping Ideas
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle your candied yams with a maple glaze made from ¼ cup maple syrup and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Alternatively, sprinkle with chopped pecans or mini marshmallows before baking for a crunchy or gooey twist. These additions make the dish even more festive and indulgent!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Candied yams are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. Serve them alongside green bean casserole or cornbread for a complete holiday meal. They also make a delightful dessert when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of water or orange juice if needed.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Try swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile. Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the spice mix for a warm, aromatic twist. For a healthier version, reduce the sugar by half and use olive oil instead of butter. These small changes can make the recipe your own!
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, peel and chop the sweet potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of water in the fridge. Use a microwave-safe dish to melt the butter and sugar mixture in the microwave instead of the stovetop. These shortcuts can shave off precious minutes during busy meal prep!
Candied Yams
Ingredients
- 2 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Place sweet potato chunks into a 9”x9” or 11”x7” baking dish. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium/low heat, combine all other ingredients except vanilla and cook until butter is melted.
- Once butter is melted, bring to a boil and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour mixture over sweet potato pieces. Gently stir so that all pieces are coated. Transfer to 375F (190C) oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Pieces should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Sauce will thicken as it cools.