Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a big ol’ pan of candied yams on the table. It’s the dish I look forward to the most every year – those caramelized, cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes are practically a religious experience. I can still remember the first time my grandma made her famous Candied Yams Recipe for our family’s holiday feast. The rich, buttery aroma would fill the whole house, drawing us all into the kitchen like a siren’s call. As soon as we caught sight of those glossy, orange wedges glistening under a sticky, golden glaze, we’d fight over who got to lick the spoon. To this day, that’s the taste of Thanksgiving for me.
Why This Candied Yams Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Grandma’s Candied Yams Recipe is truly a holiday classic, but the best part is just how easy it is to make. With a few simple ingredients and some hands-off baking time, you can create the most outrageously delicious sweet potatoes you’ve ever tasted. The secret is all in the slow roasting process that caramelizes the natural sugars, turning the yams into sticky, sweet perfection. Once you try this Candied Yams Recipe, it’ll be the only one you’ll want to make from now on.
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Yams Recipe
The key to nailing this Candied Yams Recipe is to bake the yams low and slow until they’re completely tender and the glaze has thickened to a gooey, glossy consistency. We’re talking about an hour in the oven, which might seem like a long time, but the end result is so worth it. The long, gentle cooking time allows the yams to become meltingly soft while the sugary glaze turns into a rich, almost caramel-like coating. And the combination of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives each bite an unbelievably cozy, autumnal flavor that’s straight-up irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet potatoes (or yams) – Look for medium-sized, evenly shaped sweet potatoes for even cooking.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work great, depending on your preference for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Butter – Unsalted butter allows the other flavors to shine.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon adds that classic holiday spice.
- Nutmeg – Just a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg takes this dish to the next level.
- Salt – A sprinkle of salt balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Candied Yams Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Yams Recipe
This Candied Yams Recipe is super simple to make, with just a few quick prep steps and then some hands-off baking time. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. All you need is a baking sheet, some parchment paper, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch thick slices or wedges, making sure they’re all about the same size for even cooking.
3- Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5- Drizzle the brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the sweet potato slices, making sure to coat them all.
6- Bake for 55-65 minutes, flipping the yams halfway, until they’re completely tender and the glaze has thickened.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Candied Yams Recipe is to take your time with the baking process. Resist the urge to crank up the heat, as that can cause the sugary glaze to burn. Instead, go for a lower oven temp and let the yams slowly caramelize. Also, be sure to cut your sweet potato slices to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate. And don’t forget to baste them a few times during baking to keep them coated in that irresistible glaze.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Yams Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Candied Yams Recipe
These candied sweet potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but they also make a fantastic accompaniment to roasted meats like turkey, ham, or pork any time of year. They’re especially delicious paired with creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and bright, acidic cranberry sauce. For drinks, I’d recommend serving them with a rich, full-bodied red wine or a cozy mug of hot apple cider.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Candied Yams Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also make the entire dish in advance and bake it off the day of. Just assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before cooking. That way, you can get a head start on Thanksgiving (or any other big meal) and have one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Yams Recipe
Creative Candied Yams Recipe Variations
While this classic Candied Yams Recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of fun ways to switch it up. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch. You can also swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile. And for a festive twist, mix in a handful of fresh cranberries or chopped apples.
Making Candied Yams Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Candied Yams Recipe a bit more diet-friendly, you can use a calorie-free sweetener like Stevia or Monk Fruit in place of the brown sugar. You can also reduce the amount of butter and use a plant-based alternative instead. For a gluten-free version, simply make sure your brown sugar is certified gluten-free. And for a dairy-free or vegan take, simply swap the butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you can certainly make this recipe with regular potatoes, it won’t have the same sweet, Thanksgiving-y flavor that we’re going for with candied yams. Sweet potatoes or yams are really the way to go for this dish.
Q: How do I know when the Candied Yams Recipe is done baking?
A: The yams are done when they’re completely tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened to a sticky, caramelized consistency. You’ll also see the edges starting to get crispy and golden brown.
Q: Can I make Candied Yams Recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dish actually benefits from being made in advance. You can assemble the entire recipe up to 3 days before baking. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Q: How many people does this Candied Yams Recipe serve?
A: This recipe will yield about 6-8 servings, depending on how big you cut the sweet potato slices. It’s a great side dish for a holiday meal or a potluck, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
Q: Why are my Candied Yams Recipe turning out dry?
A: If your candied yams are coming out dry, it’s likely because they were baked at too high of a temperature or for too long. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions closely and keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Candied Yams Recipe
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8
Description
These easy Candied Yams are a classic holiday side dish that’s bursting with sweet, buttery flavor. The tender yams are coated in a rich, caramelized glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s a comforting, family-friendly recipe that’s quick to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. 3. Transfer the seasoned sweet potatoes to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
4. 4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized on the edges.
5. 5. Serve the candied yams hot, garnished with fresh thyme or chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, you can add a splash of maple syrup or orange juice to the glaze. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
If you’re looking to take your Thanksgiving (or any holiday!) spread to the next level, this Candied Yams Recipe is an absolute must. With its unbeatable combination of sweet, buttery, and spiced flavors, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s shockingly easy to make – just a few simple steps and some hands-off oven time. So what are you waiting for? Give this Candied Yams Recipe a try, and get ready to have your new favorite holiday side dish!